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Tullow Oil

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FY2020 Annual Report · Tullow Oil
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2020 Annual Report and Accounts

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Tullow is a well established, 
recognised oil and gas explorer 
and producer 

Our focus is on producing low cost oil and gas in a safe, efficient and environmentally and socially responsible way.

Our key activities include generating material value for host countries, creating local business opportunities and 
building a compelling proposition for investors and a great place for employees to work.

Our portfolio of over 50 licences spans 11 countries. We are headquartered in London and our shares are listed on 
the London, Irish and Ghana Stock Exchanges. 

Our investment case 

Tullow has a production base underpinned by large resources with material organic growth potential. This is where we 
will spend over 90 per cent of our capital over the next 10 years. Our strong geoscience and subsurface skills enable us 
to maximise recovery and add additional resources which will provide further value from our producing base.

Tullow is in transition to a more reliable and consistent operating performance. With a focus on costs, we will deliver high 
margins and ensure that we generate cash flows to fund our investments and reduce net debt.

A disciplined approach to capital allocation ensures high returns and rapid paybacks and at $55/bbl flat nominal oil prices 
we can deliver c.$7 billion in underlying operating cash flow over the next 10 years with c.$4 billion pre-financing cash flow.

Tullow has significant positions in discovered and emerging basins. An innovative approach alongside deep geoscience 
and engineering expertise will allow us to unlock value in key basins such as Kenya, Guyana, Suriname and Argentina.

This new approach delivers a compelling combination of highly visible and sustainable cash flows with unique 
opportunities for additional value. 

New approach delivers material value and cash flow

Operational 
turnaround

Cost 
focus

Capital 
discipline

Geoscience

c.$7bn 

operating CF 1

c.$4bn 

cash flow available
for debt service and
shareholder returns 2

Upside

Undeveloped resource and
gas commercialisation

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Significant value underpinned by a large resource base

Focus on costs to maintain high margins at low prices

Delivering sustainable self-funded production 

Material options to generate additional returns

Strong cash flows for debt reduction and equity growth

1. 

2. 

Cash flow from operating activities, before debt service, capital investment and decommissioning expenditure. 

Cash flow from operating activities less capital investment and decommissioning expenditure.

1&2.  Based on $45/bbl in 2021, $55/bbl flat nominal in 2022+. Read more about the Alternative performance measure disclosure on pages 151 and 152.

 
 
 
Key statistics

Group average working interest production

74,900 boepd

2019: 86,800 boepd

Reserves 

260 mmboe

Proven and Probable Commercial Reserves

2019: 243 mmboe

Licences

53

Across 11 countries

2019: 74 licences across 14 countries

Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIR)

0.32

2019: 0.09 

Strategic report

Our investment case

Key statistics 

Our Group highlights 

Our strategic roadmap 

Chair’s statement 

Chief Executive Officer’s statement 

Our business model 

Markets

A balanced scorecard 

Operations review 

Chief Financial Officer’s statement 

Finance review 

Sustainability

Governance and risk management 

Section 172(1) Statement 

Viability statement 

Non-financial reporting 

Corporate governance

Directors’ report 

Board of Directors 

Stakeholder engagement 

Audit Committee report 

Nominations Committee report 

Safety and Sustainability Committee report 

Remuneration report 

Other statutory information 

Financial statements

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

Independent auditor’s report  
to the members of Tullow Oil plc 

Group Financial Statements 

Company Financial Statements 

Supplementary information

Alternative performance measures 

Shareholder information 

Commercial reserves and contingent resources 
summary (unaudited) working interest basis 

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Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

1

STRATEGIC REPORTOur Group highlights

Year of resilience

A clear roadmap to deliver an efficient and effective 
organisation, which will ensure we generate sustainable cash 
flow, over the next 10 years, from our producing assets and 
realise value from our exploration portfolio

Capital investment

$288m¹

2019: $490m

Free cash flow

$432m¹

2019: $355m

Net debt

$2.4bn¹

2019: $2.8bn

Gearing

3.0 times¹,²

2019: 2.0 times

Revenue

$1.4bn

2019: $1.7bn

Underlying cash operating costs

$12.1/boe¹

2019: $11.1/boe

Adjusted EBITDAX

$0.8bn¹

2019: $1.4bn

Loss after tax

$(1,222)m

2019: $(1,694)m

1.  Alternative performance measures are reconciled on pages 151 and 152.

2.  Gearing ratio calculated as net debt/adjusted EBITDAX.

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Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Our strategic roadmap 

Our purpose is to build a better future through responsible 
oil and gas development

Our stakeholders

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Our investors:
Delivering sustainable 
returns on capital

Our host countries:
Creating shared prosperity

Our people:
Providing a great place to 
work

OUR PEO P L E

Our focused strategy

Large discovered 
resource base 
with upside

Safely delivering 
operational 
excellence at low 
cost

Portfolio of well 
defined and 
resilient 
investment 
opportunities

Disciplined 
capital allocation 
supports value 
creation and 
deleveraging

Self-funded with 
significant capital 
flexibility

Highly 
experienced and 
committed team

Managing our risks

Strategy

Stakeholder 

Climate change 

EHS or security 

See more on page 33

Financial 

See more on page 33

Organisation 

See more on page 34

Conduct 

See more on page 34

Cyber

See more on page 34

See more on page 35

See more on page 35

See more on page 35

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

3

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
Chair’s statement

Resilient and focused 
on returning Tullow 
to strength

The year ahead is a pivotal year for Tullow, where we lay the foundations for a robust and stable 
business capable of delivering attractive returns for our shareholders and host countries.

have already been brought to bear in beginning the turnaround 
of Tullow’s fortunes. Rahul’s new leadership team is a good 
balance of long-serving Tullow leaders and new talent, who 
together have the breadth and depth of experience and 
complementary skills to manage the business. 

Tullow has a clear strategic direction, with a new integrated 
leaner organisation structure, and a redoubled focus on 
driving value for our investors, host governments and our 
people. Rahul and his team have set out a compelling long 
term plan, which the Board has endorsed, and which was 
presented to the market in November at a Capital Markets 
Day event. At its core is the disciplined allocation of capital 
to maximise value from Ghana’s significant resources and 
material organic growth potential. Assuming a flat nominal 
oil price of $55/bbl this plan expects to deliver approximately 
$7 billion in underlying operating cash flow over the next 
10 years, with approximately $4 billion pre-financing cash flow. 

Debt levels and near term maturities have been an area of 
concern in 2020; however, the initial $500 million in proceeds 
from the completion of the Uganda farm-down has reduced 
our net debt from $2.8 billion to $2.4 billion. The closing of 
this transaction marks Tullow’s exit from its licences in 
Uganda after 16 years of operations in the Lake Albert basin. 
The country has been an integral part of Tullow’s history. 
We pioneered exploration in Lake Albert, achieved prolific 
exploration success and played a major role in the founding 
and development of Uganda’s oil industry. We will watch the 
progress of Uganda’s oil and gas industry with much interest 
and we all wish the people and Government of Uganda and 
our former Joint Venture Partners every good fortune as they 
take this important project forward. The value from this 
transaction, coupled with the non-operated asset sales 
announced in February and strong cash flow from our growing 
production base in Ghana, will provide the means to address 
the debt maturities and progress refinancing options. In time, 
this will return the Company to a more stable capital base. 

Regretfully, until Tullow has further reduced debt and 
strengthened its balance sheet, the dividend will continue to 
be suspended. However, the Business Plan that has been set 
out shows the route and ambition to return shareholder value 
as quickly as possible. 

“ I am pleased to conclude the year 
with much greater confidence in 
the future of Tullow. The business 
has a clear roadmap, to be 
delivered by a lean and highly 
skilled and committed team, 
focused on driving value for all 
our stakeholders.”

Dorothy Thompson 
Chair

Against the backdrop of the global pandemic and its impact 
on oil prices, market conditions and restrictions on movement 
of people and materials, Tullow has weathered the storm in 
2020 with remarkable focus and determination, meeting 
production guidance and ending the year cash flow positive, 
inclusive of Uganda proceeds. Tullow’s resilience is particularly 
noteworthy, given the tumultuous start to the year. 

A new experienced leader is now at the helm of Tullow. 
Rahul Dhir was selected after a rigorous search process and 
officially joined the Company in July after several months of 
immersing himself in the business beforehand. Rahul’s 
extensive leadership experience in both the technical and 
commercial aspects of the industry, coupled with his expertise 
in finance and private equity for the sector, are vital skills that 

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Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Purpose, organisation and culture
One of the areas of the business review carried out in 2020 
was to make Tullow a more efficient and effective organisation. 
As a result of the review the Cape Town and Dublin offices 
were closed and staff headcount reduced by 53 per cent. The 
organisation is now stabilised, and the leadership team has 
set about rebuilding Tullow’s culture in three key ways: 

Tullow’s Board gender diversity remains strong, with 33 per cent 
representation of women, and we remain committed to advancing 
the diversity of Tullow’s Senior Management and overall 
workforce. Martin Greenslade, who joined us in 2019 
but formally took over as Chair of the Audit Committee 
in April 2020, has also brought deep expertise and a fresh 
pair of eyes and approach to this critical Committee.

Climate change
We support the goals of the Paris Agreement, and for 
the second year we are reporting in alignment with the 
recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD). Our portfolio remains resilient 
to the threat of stranded assets, which you can read more 
about in the CFO statement on page 19. As made clear at our 
Half Year Results and Capital Markets Day, our emissions in 
Ghana have increased in the last year due to elevated levels of 
flaring in 2020, which was required for reservoir management 
and to sustain production levels. Our current emission levels 
are not aligned with our Climate Policy, and we have a defined 
plan to address this. This year we have completed a thorough 
analysis of various options to decarbonise our business in 
order to deliver Net Zero operations for Scope 1 and Scope 2 
emissions by 2030. In 2021, we will begin work to decarbonise 
our operations as part of our 2021 business plan, which you 
can read more about on page 26. Additionally, work is 
underway to identify nature based carbon removal projects 
that Tullow will invest in to offset its residual hard to abate 
carbon emissions and achieve a carbon neutral or Net Zero 
status. Tullow grew its understanding of potential carbon 
offset approaches and partners in 2020. Through our carbon 
offset strategy we will align with both government priorities 
and emerging regulation on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement 
and build on our commitment to Shared Prosperity and creating 
socio-economic opportunities for our host communities. 

Outlook
I am pleased to conclude the year with much greater confidence 
in the future of Tullow. The business has a clear roadmap, 
which will be delivered by a lean and highly skilled and 
committed team which, like the Board, is committed to driving 
value for our investors, our host governments and our people. 
I would like to thank our investors, our host governments and 
our staff for the support you have provided us over the course 
of this difficult and challenging year.

Dorothy Thompson
Chair

9 March 2021

Firstly, communication has been a priority throughout the year, 
through formal and informal feedback and communication 
channels. Leadership has actively nurtured a culture of open, 
transparent and candid debate and information sharing. 
This has been a key change, which staff have welcomed with 
frequent positive feedback. This was augmented with the 
Tullow Advisory Panel, which comprises members of staff 
who represent all employee feedback. In the first half of 2020, 
some of my fellow Board members and I met with this panel 
frequently. Its feedback was invaluable in helping me and the 
Board appreciate what needed to change in Tullow’s culture, 
leadership, ways of working, transparency and expectation 
management, and ultimately our performance as a business. 

Secondly, Tullow has instituted a flatter organisational structure, 
allowing for shorter lines of management and more direct 
channels of communication with leadership. 

Thirdly, the leadership has defined a new purpose and set of 
Values for the Company. Tullow’s Leadership recognises that 
oil and gas will continue to play an essential role in the global 
energy mix for many years to come and will continue to bring 
significant wealth and social and economic development to oil 
exporting countries. As part of its 10 year plan, Tullow aims to 
invest $2.7 billion over the next decade, generating significant 
revenues for our host countries, creating local business 
opportunities, a compelling proposition for investors and a 
great place to work for our staff. In recognition of the 
necessary energy transition under way and peaking of oil 
demand, the only barrels that will be competitive are those 
that are low cost and produced in a safe and environmentally 
and socially responsible way. Therefore, our purpose as a 
business is to ‘build a better future through responsible oil 
and gas development’. 

Tullow’s Values have also been re-set, to mark a clear break 
from the previous culture. The new leadership team has 
debated and arrived at a set of four core Values, developed 
in conjunction with staff via informal workshops, which you 
can read more about in Tullow’s 2020 Sustainability Report. 
Tullow’s new leadership is committed to setting the tone for 
the rest of the Company in demonstrating how important 
these Values are in guiding the right behaviour and culture, 
which will underpin Tullow’s success as a business.

Board changes 
Since 2018, 50 per cent of Tullow’s Board members have retired 
or left by mutual consent and the Board has been bolstered 
most recently by Mitchell Ingram. Given the operational 
challenges experienced during 2019, the Nominations 
Committee resolved to appoint a Director with deep operational 
offshore experience. The Committee was delighted to appoint 
Mitchell Ingram, who as well as having significant offshore 
experience, understands our assets having previously worked 
for Anadarko, one of Tullow’s Joint Venture Partners. The 
addition of Mitchell, combined with Rahul’s leadership, has 
brought new focus and clarity to our Board discussions. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

5

STRATEGIC REPORTChief Executive Officer’s statement

Clarity on future plans, 
and a strong conviction 
to deliver

With a lean and focused organisation and disciplined capital allocation Tullow can deliver 
the material value held within our Ghana assets.

Tullow is a company with a substantial opportunity set, 
committed and talented people, and a promising future. 
It is a combination of these factors which made me join this 
business, and the value now defined through our long term 
plan has only strengthened my own personal commitment 
to ensuring Tullow achieves its potential. 

A new diverse leadership team 
My new leadership team brings a balance of fresh perspectives 
from outside whilst retaining a deep understanding of Tullow’s 
business. Our complementary skills and depth of experience 
are enhanced by our common understanding of the opportunity 
ahead and being united in our mission to deliver value and 
cash flows. 

Focus on cost, restructuring and operational turnaround 
As I set out at the Capital Markets Day on 25 November, 
Tullow is currently focused on achieving a more reliable and 
consistent operating performance and a sustainable improvement 
in operating margins. Building confidence in our operational 
delivery is key. In working to achieve this, we have carried out 
a detailed assessment of our costs, our organisational 
structure and our operations. We have leveraged our deep 
internal knowledge, and incorporated input from outside from 
some of the best minds in the sector. As a result, we have 
gone through a comprehensive reorganisation: focusing our 
activities, reducing management layers, simplifying decision 
making and reducing our staffing levels by 53 per cent. 

We approach 2021 as a year of transition when we will embed 
good performance, safe and reliable operations and active 
reservoir management. These, together with a singular focus 
on cost, will mean Tullow will be resilient to lower oil prices 
and capable of delivering high margins and cash flows to fund 
our investments, navigate our debt maturities, reduce overall 
debt levels and ultimately deliver shareholder returns.

Deep understanding of the resource base and definition 
of investment opportunities
Ghana is clearly currently where the prize lies for Tullow. 
We have a solid production base, underpinned by large 
resources with material organic growth potential. Of the 
2.9 billion bbl of oil in place, we have only produced about 
13 per cent or 400 million bbl, which leaves 2.5 billion bbl 
of oil in the ground with major infrastructure in place. 
This is an incredible and exciting resource. 

“ Ultimately, this high-quality 
investment portfolio and capital 
discipline will drive visible, 
self-funded production growth, 
with strong cash flows, and enable 
Tullow to deleverage and generate 
material value.”

Rahul Dhir 
Chief Executive Officer

2020 has been a year of significant change for Tullow, and 
our collective focus has been on putting the business back 
on track to realise its considerable future potential. I officially 
joined Tullow in July but was able to spend several months 
before that being educated by members of staff and the 
Board on the various aspects of our assets and operations. 
Having immersed myself in the business over the last six 
months, I see that the road ahead is an exciting one, but not 
without its challenges. COVID-19 alone has presented our 
industry with major difficulties this year in keeping people 
safe and well, sustaining operations through restricted 
travel and weathering historically low oil prices. Tullow’s 
teams have navigated these obstacles and delivered 
production in line with guidance despite a very difficult 
operating environment. Notwithstanding the significant 
drop in oil demand in the past year, I believe that oil and 
gas will continue to play a vital role in the global energy 
mix for the long term, generating material wealth and 
social and economic development for our host countries. 

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Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Our non-operated assets in Côte d’Ivoire and Gabon are also 
important and continue to provide stable production and cash 
flows through defined projects, near-field exploration and 
licence extensions. These fields have flexible and valuable 
investment opportunities, including short-cycle near-field 
exploration projects with ready access to infrastructure. 

We have systematically screened opportunities across our 
producing asset base in West Africa and high-graded high-
return, short-cycle and quick payback investments. We have 
so far high-graded more than 60 investments, due to deliver 
an average of over 80 per cent IRR at $55/bbl long term flat 
nominal prices. We expect to add to this inventory, as we 
mature further investment opportunities. In addition, our 
strong geoscience and subsurface skills will help us to 
maximise recovery and add additional resources which will 
provide further value from our production base. 

Rigorous and disciplined capital allocation will be our 
fundamental guiding principle to ensure that we are able to 
consistently invest in these high-return opportunities. We 
therefore plan to spend over 90 per cent of our future capital 
spend across our producing assets. Based on this investment 
plan, at $55/bbl flat nominal oil price from 2022 we can 
deliver approximately $7 billion in underlying operating cash 
flow over the next 10 years with approximately $4 billion 
pre-financing cash flow. 

In addition, our positions in emerging basins in South America 
and in Kenya present further opportunities to unlock value. 
In Guyana and elsewhere in our emerging basins portfolio, we 
are working to better define the prospect inventory. Following 
the Government of Kenya’s extension of our licences to the end 
of 2021, we are reassessing the development to make it viable 
at low oil prices. Our approach to unlocking value in these 
assets requires an innovative approach that leverages our 
deep geoscience and engineering expertise. 

2020 business performance
Our safety performance in 2020 highlights an area for 
improvement. We registered eight Total Recordable Injuries 
and four Tier 2 loss of primary containment Process Safety 
Events. While no incident was life changing or caused 
irreparable harm to the environment, we are 100 per cent 
committed to ensuring our people and partners are safe at 
work and that we cause no harm to the environment or local 
communities, and so are redoubling our efforts in this area. 
In response to events during 2020, in Q4 our Ghana business 
instigated an IOGP Life Saving Rule promotion campaign, 
led by our leadership team. Through discussion on the nine 
rules, key lessons were learnt about how we must improve 
our attention to safety.

Despite 2020 being a difficult year, there were a number of 
notable achievements including the $575 million Uganda sale, 
successful RBL redeterminations against an unfavourable 
financial backdrop, the delivery of $125 million per annum in 
G&A savings, and strong operational uptime performance of 
over 95 per cent against a challenging backdrop of managing 
personnel through COVID-19 restrictions and improved 
delivery of gas exports.

Production revenues from our non-operated production and 
the $219 million cushion from our hedging programme helped 
deliver our $432 million positive cash flow position for the 
year. The loss of $1.2 billion after tax was driven by exploration 
write-offs and impairments related to lower oil prices.

Stakeholder engagement
Despite COVID-19 related travel restrictions, I have had the 
opportunity to meet virtually with many of our key stakeholders 
across Kenya, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Suriname and Equatorial 
Guinea. In October, I was able to visit Ghana where I had the 
privilege of meeting His Excellency The President of Ghana, 
the Minister of Finance, the Minister for Energy and other 
senior officials. Their valuable feedback and insights, together 
with our efforts to work more closely and collaboratively with 
our Joint Venture Partners, will make us a stronger business, 
and ensure we are driving towards goals that are aligned with 
those of all our key stakeholders. 

Committed to shared prosperity 
Tullow’s strong track record of creating shared prosperity in 
our host countries and communities, is one of the reasons 
that I was drawn to Tullow. Our commitment to shared 
prosperity is detailed further on page 24. However, I want 
to highlight one particular area which continues to have a 
material positive impact in Ghana. Since 2015, Tullow and 
partners have committed to supply at no charge to Ghana 200 
bcf of wet gas from the Jubilee field (the “Jubilee Foundation 
Volume Gas”) to the Ghana National Petroleum Company. 
Gas from the Jubilee field has fuelled in excess of a third 
of Ghana’s domestic gas power generation, providing more 
than 6.5 million people with access to electricity over the last 
five years. This is just one area in which we are working to 
share prosperity with our communities and host nations.

Outlook
Our producing assets are underpinned by a large resource 
base with well-defined investment opportunities. This is 
complemented by our material positions in undeveloped 
resources and emerging basins. Together, this unique set of 
assets provides very significant value and material, organic 
growth options. Our singular focus on operating efficiencies 
and costs will ensure we maintain high margins even at low 
prices. Ultimately, this high-quality investment portfolio and 
capital discipline will drive tangible, self-funded production 
growth, with strong cash flows, and enable Tullow to 
deleverage and generate material value. Along this journey, 
our course will be set by the principle that our success, and 
that of our Joint Venture Partners, our host governments and 
communities and of course our investors are one and the 
same. We are clear about what we must do and are deeply 
committed to achieving success. In concluding, I would like to 
thank all our stakeholders for your patience and support 
during 2020 and I look forward to working with you to drive 
success in 2021. 

Rahul Dhir
Chief Executive Officer

9 March 2021

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

7

STRATEGIC REPORTOur business model

New approach to deliver material value and cash flow from our 
production base and near-field and infrastructure-led 
opportunities in discovered and emerging basins

Our inputs

Our investors 

1.4bn 

Issued share capital

Our host countries 

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Countries of operation  
including the UK

OUR PEO P L E

53

Exploration and production licences

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Our people
Highly experienced and  
committed professionals 
dedicated to safely  
discovering, producing  
and monetising oil

OUR PEO P L E

Our business
Tullow’s business model is to find and monetise oil from our portfolio of 
assets across Africa and South America. Our activities are focused on 
generating cash flow from our production base and unlocking value 
from our significant positions in discovered and emerging basins. 
We have a prudent financial strategy with diverse sources of funding. 
We are focused on debt reduction and right-sizing our asset base through 
portfolio management.

We have material positions in emerging oil provinces in Africa and 
South America. We aim to unlock value from these resources whilst 
managing our capital exposure and remain agile to take advantage 
of exploration opportunities.

Balance sheet

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Cash flow from 
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Investment 
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Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
 
 
Maximising value from large resources

How we create value

We focus on selective development of material oil discoveries we have found. 
We invest in low-cost, near-field wells drilled adjacent to our producing 
assets, as well as opportunities identified through exploration.

Production is the cash engine of our business and we are investing 
in in-field drilling programmes to extend production plateaus across 
our producing assets in West Africa.

Our investors 

$432m

Free cash flow

Read more in our 
Operations Review 
on pages 14 to 16

Maximising 
value from 
existing 
reservoirs

Near field 
exploration

Strong financial 
management

Our host countries 

$375m 

Payments to governments

OUR PEO P L E

74,900 boepd

Group average working interest 
production

$162m

Spend with local suppliers

Our people

Over 900

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Instances of participation  
across 14 virtual wellness 
events across the UK and Ghana

OUR PEO P L E

Re-invest

Pre-financing 
cash flow

Debt service 
and shareholder 
returns

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Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

9

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
Markets

A turbulent year

1  Geo politics

The COVID-19 pandemic dominated 
the political agenda both globally 
and in Africa in 2020

Over the past year, the key global political and economic risk 
has been the COVID-19 pandemic which appears to have started 
in China in late 2019. The pandemic has had a paralysing 
effect on global economies with almost all countries enacting 
lockdowns of varying stringency. With the arrival of vaccines in 
the last quarter of 2020, hopes for economic recovery in 2021 
are very high but the recovery is likely to be uneven as it will 
take time to manufacture and distribute the various vaccines. 
In Africa, the day-to-day impact of COVID-19 appears to have 
been less devastating than in Europe and the US. This is likely 
due to a number of factors including climate, travel patterns 
and the median age of the population in Africa, which is 
19 years, compared to Europe, where it is 40 years. 

However, Africa has not been spared the economic consequences 
of the pandemic with the World Bank confirming in October 2020 
that the continent would likely fall into recession for the first 
time since 1995. Furthermore, the World Bank also believes 
that the pandemic could drive up to 40 million people into 
extreme poverty in Africa in 2020, erasing at least five years 
of progress in fighting poverty. 

The oil and gas sector in Africa has not been immune from the 
global economic shock with offshore drilling drying up almost 
completely. Overall, the pandemic and its consequences are 
likely to accelerate trends in Africa that were already apparent 
in 2019, including African governments appreciating the pace 
of change around the energy transition and seeking to maximise 
their resource potential more quickly. This was demonstrated 
by recent impetus in the Lake Albert development in Uganda. 
However, to compete for investment capital, they will need to 
take a more commercial approach in negations with potential 
partners than they have throughout the 2010s. 

The Ghanaian Presidential Election took place in December 
2020 with the incumbent President, HE Nana Akufo-Addo of 
the New Patriotic Party (NPP), returning to office for a second 
four year term. The concurrent parliamentary election returned 
a Hung Parliament for the first time in Ghana history with 
both main parties, the NPP and the National Democratic 
Congress (NDC), having the same number of seats (137) 
and an independent MP claiming one seat.

10

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

2  Oil price

2020 was one of the most turbulent years 
for oil prices, which dropped to levels not 
seen since 1990, with 8 million barrels 
taken from the market as a result of 
pandemic-induced restrictions

2020 was a year dominated by OPEC decisions and the 
COVID-19 pandemic, which together conspired to create a 
roller coaster of price action that saw ICE Brent trade within 
a $19-52/bbl range and average just $42/bbl. By February 
concerns about the virus outbreak outside China were 
damaging oil demand and prices. ICE Brent fell from $65/bbl 
to $55/bbl as the continued spread of COVID-19 dominated 
the headlines. On 8 March OPEC and Russia failed to reach an 
agreement on continuing their market intervention and further 
supply was suddenly heaped on a rapidly unbalancing market. 
When markets opened on 9 March, Brent suffered the largest 
one day percentage decline since the first Gulf War and prices 
kept on falling for the rest of the month. A group of OPEC and 
non-OPEC countries (OPEC+) finally responded to market 
outcry about the impending storage capacity reaching its limit 
and together held the Declaration of Cooperation meetings on 
9 and 12 April which delivered a historic 9.7 million barrels 
per day cut in production starting on 1 May. However welcome, 
it would do nothing for the barrels being pumped in April. 
The threat of reaching tank-tops drove ICE Brent prices to 
their nadir on 21 April, hitting $19/bbl and taking WTI briefly 
into negative prices.

Late spring/early summer saw some cause for optimism as 
the cuts delivered the first step on a long road to recovery as 
the global oil surplus showed signs of stabilising, supported 
by further OPEC+ production curbs and Chinese demand 
recovery. The move upwards stumbled in September amid the 
continuing global increase of new COVID-19 cases. October 
saw a continued retreat in prices, as the expected demand 
recovery failed to materialise and into this weakening 
environment the fabled return of Libyan crude production, 
which ramped to over 1 million barrels per day added stress 
to an oversupplied market. 

The year ended positively as COVID-19 vaccines rolled through 
all markets during November. Thus despite some returning 
OPEC+ production, optimism about a recovery in oil demand 
saw prices climb and ICE Brent averaged $50.35/bbl during 
December, the highest monthly settlement since February. 
At the end of 2020 OPEC+ met again and reached a compromise 
agreement to add 500 kbopd of production to the market in 
January; however, following further meetings Saudi Arabia 
took unilateral action to cut 1 million barrels per day of its 
own production to maintain the pace of rebalancing and 
driving prompt prices to $56/bbl. 

 
 
3    Climate Change Policy 

and energy transition

Despite the postponing of COP-26 in 2020 
the focus on climate and energy transition 
continued to intensify from investors, 
governments and the public alike

Despite great efforts to decarbonise and grow renewable energy 
supply, fossil fuels will continue to account for up to 50 per 
cent of the energy supply in 2050. The IEA’s scenarios for long 
term oil demand range from the ‘Current Policies Scenario’ 
where oil demand continues to increase, approaching 120 
million bopd to 2040, through to the Sustainable Development 
Scenario (aligned to the Paris goals) which sees a potential 
flattening in oil demand in the 2020s. Rising incomes in 
emerging markets and developing economies are expected to 
create strong underlying demand for mobility which will offset 
reductions in oil use in developed economies, where the 
electrification of transport and greater energy efficiency 
reduces demand. Despite the anticipated growth in recycling 
rates, oil demand as a feedstock in the petrochemical sector 
for production of plastics is likely to rise, especially in 
developing economies. In addition, growth will continue from 
energy and carbon-intensive sectors, such as steel, cement 
and heavy industry.

Even under the IEA’s Net Zero emissions by 2050 pathway, 
where demand for oil declines from 98 million bopd in 2019 
to 65 million bopd in 2030, an annual average reduction of 
>3.5 per cent, this decline rate is slower than the underlying 
rate of decline in supply that we would see if there were to be 
no investment in new or existing fields. In this case oil supply 
would decline by 8-9 per cent per year. Therefore, even in a 
scenario aligned to the Paris goals, billions of dollars are 
required to sustain lower levels of production.

Several global powers signalled their intention for greater 
ambition on climate action in 2020, with China targeting to 
decarbonise its economy by 2060, followed by the launch of 
its new carbon emissions trading scheme in early 2021.  
EU leaders agreed a more ambitious climate target of cutting 
net emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030 compared to 
1990 levels and the new Biden administration, immediately 
introduced a raft of climate-related executive actions shortly 
after the President’s inauguration including re-joining the 
Paris Agreement, cancelling the presidential permit for the 
Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada, and halting oil leases 
in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. 

In late 2020, United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres 
warned leaders the world was heading for a “catastrophic” 3°C 
of warming, as he urged them to declare a state of climate 
emergency in their countries until they become carbon neutral.

The industry is responding collectively and individually. 
In July 2020, the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative – a consortium 
of 12 member companies that includes major National Oil 
Companies around the world such as Saudi Aramco, China’s 
CNPC, and Brazil’s Petrobras, with combined crude oil output 
of approximately 25 million bopd, announced its target to 
reduce the collective carbon intensity of its upstream 
operations by 9 per cent by 2025. 

The majority of the oil majors have continued their journey 
towards energy transition, which will see them divest mature 
assets in Africa and elsewhere, slash overall capital spending 
to their lowest in 15 years and allocate increasing levels of 
capital towards low-carbon energy solutions. Several of the oil 
majors have already declared peak oil production within their 
own portfolios and BP announced plans to cut fossil fuel 
output by 40 per cent by 2030. Royal Dutch Shell followed with 
plans to reduce oil production by 55 per cent by 2030.

The industry faces increasing pressure by investors, lenders 
and supply chains to fully align with the Paris Agreement. 
Banks, sovereign wealth funds and other sources of external 
capital have declared intentions to reduce the carbon footprint 
of their portfolios whilst maintaining competitive returns. 
Upstream producers will be required to consider the carbon 
intensity when making development decisions driven by 
regulatory and economic factors. Carbon intensity of oil 
and gas products is increasingly benchmarked as a key 
performance metric.

These changes are likely to present significant opportunities 
but also challenges to Tullow in the coming decade. To read 
about Tullow’s approach to climate risk management go to 
our Climate Risk and Resilience report.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

11

STRATEGIC REPORT+10+13+10+10+6+6+35+o
10

A balanced scorecard

Measuring our performance

Our scorecard aligns both executive pay and employees’ performance related pay to 
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) measuring our performance across a range of 
operational, financial and non-financial measures

2020 Scorecard

7.3/15%

1.8/5%

3/5%

0/10%

8/15%

0/50%

   1. Safety 
  2. Production 
  3. Financial 
  4. Energy transition  
  5. Strategic 
  6. Total Shareholder Return 

Remuneration Report pages 57 to 73

0/10%

7.3/15%

1.8/5%

3/5%

8/15%

0/50%

1. Safety 
 - Some very good performance in our production 

operations but disappointing overall performance

2. Production 
 - Production outturn in line with budget despite challenges 

of COVID-19 and OPEC+ restrictions 

3. Financial 
 - Opex/boe higher due to additional COVID-19 costs and 

projects being deferred 

 - G&A delivered significant reductions in line with budget 

4. Energy transition
 -  Energy transition strategy agreed by Board

5. Strategic
 - Net debt is $2.4 billion

 - Stakeholder trust improving but more to do

 - Forward strategy and 10 year plan defined

6. Total Shareholder Return
 - TSR position is bottom quartile

Given the disappointing performance in oil production operations in 2019, robust KPI performance criteria were emphasised 
in the 2020 scorecard for safety and production. The scorecard also contained key KPIs to support the restructuring and 
repositioning of the Company in terms of cost, strategy including energy transition, stakeholder engagement and debt. 

12

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
2021 Scorecard

+10+13+10+10+6+6+35+o
35%10

   1. Safety 
  2. Working Capital and Cost Management 
  3. Production 
  4. Business Plan Implementation  
  5. Capital Structure 
  6. Sustainability 
  7. Leadership Effectiveness 
  8. Total Shareholder Return 

 13%

6.5%

9.8%

9.8%

9.8%

6.5%

9.8%

9.8%

9.8%

9.8%

6.5%

9.8%

6.5%

13%

35%

1. Safety 
 - Total Recordable Incident Rate (TRIR) of between 0.99 

4. Business Plan Implementation 
 - Achieve agreed work programme for $247 million1 

and 0.58 

agreed budget

 - Loss of Primary Containment (LOPC) Tier 1 and 2 as per 

IOGP of 1 or 0 (Tier 1)

2. Working Capital and Cost 
Management
 - Group underlying operating cash flow (OCF)1 of 

$430 million to $526 million

3. Production 
 - 54,000-60,000 barrels of oil produced per day1

 - Jubilee FPSO availability2 of between 93% and 95%

 - TEN FPSO availability2 of between 97% and 99%

5.  Capital Structure
 -  Agree appropriate debt refinancing

6. Sustainability
 -  Implement Net Zero plan

 - Deliver 2021 Shared Prosperity plan and develop  

long term plan

7. Leadership Effectiveness
 -  Organisation positioned for sustainable success

8. Total Shareholder Return
 -  Creating shareholder value

The new scorecard reflects a focus on performance with clear output KPIs at the Group level balanced with a series of input 
targets across all other levels of the business. It ensures safety is prioritised alongside operational targets, and balances short 
term production targets with longer term capital structure, Business Plan implementation and leadership to stabilise and then 
grow our business, whilst delivering a robust response to sustainability.

1.  After adjusting for the effects of the completion of the Equatorial Guinea and Dussafu asset sales at 31 March 2021. 

2.  Reflects projected efficiency of the vessels.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

13

STRATEGIC REPORTOperations review

A review of our operations

Production, Reserves and Resources
In 2020, Tullow’s West Africa oil assets performed in line with 
expectations delivering average working interest oil production 
of 74,900 bopd. In 2021, working interest oil production is 
expected to average between 60,000 and 66,000 bopd. This 
forecast will be adjusted for the sales of the Equatorial Guinea 
and Dussafu assets once these transactions complete. As laid 
out at the Group’s CMD, investment focused on the Group’s 
cash generative producing assets in West Africa is expected to 
increase production in 2022 and sustain it for the longer term.

Tullow’s audited 2P reserves have increased from 243 mmboe 
at the end of 2019 to 260 mmboe at the end of 2020. Based 
on 27 mmboe of 2020 production, this represents an organic 
reserves replacement ratio of approximately 160%, underpinning 
the Business Plan presented at the CMD. This was largely 
driven by a 31.5 mmboe increase at Jubilee following 
improved field performance and the acceleration of 
development projects in the new plan. Tullow’s audited 2C 
resources decreased from 1,102 mmboe to 640 mmboe, 
largely resulting from the Uganda asset sale. 

Group average working interest production

FY 2020

Ghana

Jubilee

TEN

Equatorial Guinea

Gabon

Côte d’Ivoire

Oil production

52.4

29.5

23.0

4.8

15.5

2.1

74.9

FY 2021 
guidance

40.5

24.3

16.2

4.8

15.4

2.3

63.0

Net Zero
Tullow has committed to becoming a Net Zero Company by 
2030 on its Scope 1 and 2 emissions through a combination 
of decarbonising its operated assets in Ghana and pursuing 
a nature-based carbon removal programme. Investment in 
decarbonisation projects over the next three years will result 
in an increase in the gas handling capacity on Jubilee and 
enable process modifications on TEN, which will also put the 
Group on track to eliminate routine flaring in Ghana by 2025. 
To offset the residual difficult-to-abate carbon emissions, 
work is under way to identify nature-based carbon removal 
projects, such as reforestation, afforestation and conservation 
that Tullow will invest in to achieve its Net Zero ambition by 
2030. We will also seek to align our carbon offset strategy 
with government priorities, emerging regulation on Article 6 

of the Paris Agreement as well as our Shared Prosperity 
strategy, focused on creating socio-economic opportunities 
for our host communities.

Ghana
The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our operations have 
been managed safely across the business with no impact on 
Ghana production. This has been achieved in close cooperation 
with the Government of Ghana who have enabled effective testing 
and quarantine measures to be put in place. However, this 
increased the net cost of operations by approximately 
$10 million in 2020. 

Both fields in Ghana performed in line with expectations 
in 2020, with the Jubilee field averaging 83,600 bopd gross 
(net: 29,500 bopd) and the TEN field averaging 48,700 bopd 
gross (net: 23,000 bopd). This production performance was 
supported by increased and sustained gas offtake nominations 
from the Government of Ghana, approval from the Ministry of 
Energy to increase flaring, higher than forecast facility uptime 
of over 95% at both FPSOs and improved well optimisation 
and water injection facility performance on the Jubilee FPSO.

To deliver an operational turnaround for the Ghana assets 
starting in 2020, key areas of focus have been asset integrity, 
process safety, maintenance and reliability. Gas offtake and 
water injection on Jubilee have been an important part of the 
strategy to address the decline in production in the absence of 
sustained drilling. The engineering work to increase redundancy 
and reliability has resulted in record levels of water injection 
with rates now in excess of 200kbwpd, despite a failure in a 
water injection riser in November 2020. Sustained water 
injection helps support reservoir pressure and improves 
overall sweep efficiency. Good progress has also been made 
on gas offtake. Onshore gas demand is stabilising, facility 
reliability has improved and there is greater alignment 
with the Government of Ghana on projected offtake. Overall 
this has resulted in current offtake levels of approximately 
125 mmscfd. Gas processing and water injection capacities 
are both expected to be steadily enhanced through 2021 and 
beyond to deliver long term stable production.

In consultation with the Ghana joint venture partners and 
supported by expert advisors, a comprehensive review of the 
investment and production optimisation plans for Jubilee and 
TEN was conducted in the second half of 2020. The resulting 
plan was presented at the CMD and demonstrated the substantial 
potential of the Ghana portfolio given its large resource base and 
extensive infrastructure in place. It showed that, managed with a 
rigorous focus on costs and capital discipline, these assets have 
the potential to generate material cash flow over the next 
decade and deliver significant value for Ghana and investors.

14

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

The Maersk Venturer drillship has been contracted to start a 
multi-well programme which is envisaged to be for a minimum 
period of four years. The rig has arrived in Ghanaian waters 
and is scheduled to commence drilling in April. The same rig 
worked on the previous drilling programme in Ghana, but the 
contract was terminated due to the oil price impacts of the 
COVID-19 pandemic. The drilling hiatus, along with historical 
underinvestment has had a negative impact on 2021 production. 
In 2021, the rig is expected to drill and complete four wells in 
total, consisting of two Jubilee production wells, one Jubilee 
water injector well and one TEN gas injector well to provide 
pressure support to two Ntomme oil production wells. This well 
campaign is expected to begin to offset near term production 
decline and further wells in 2022 will see production materially 
recover and be sustained for the long term. This drilling 
programme incorporates lessons learned from the previous 
programme and is targeting a 20% reduction in drilling costs 
through simplified well designs, improved rig reliability and 
supply chain savings.

The final phase of the Jubilee Turret Remediation Project was 
the installation of a Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring (CALM) buoy 
to assist with offloading. The CALM buoy arrived in Ghana early 
in 2020 and following a series of delays, related to the impacts 
of COVID-19 and some equipment issues, the buoy and one of 
two offloading lines were installed at the end of 2020 and fully 
commissioned in early 2021. The tanker support vessels on 
contract since 2016 have now been released resulting in 
anticipated operating expense savings of $60 million (gross) 
per annum going forwards. Options for the potential need for 
and installation of a second offloading line are being considered.

Non-operated portfolio
Production from Tullow’s non-operated portfolio averaged 
22,400 bopd in 2020. Overall production in the first half of 2020 
was stable at close to 24,000 bopd. However, in August 2020, 
the Simba field was required to be shut in to comply with the 
Gabon Government’s OPEC+ quota. The field was shut-in for 
a total of two months having an annualised impact on Group 
production of approximately 1,000 bopd.

In February 2021, Tullow announced an agreement to sell its 
entire interests in Equatorial Guinea and the Dussafu assets 
in Gabon to Panoro Energy ASA (Panoro) for up to $180 million. 
These value accretive transactions will strengthen the balance 
sheet and enable the Group to focus on less capital intensive, 
higher margin assets elsewhere in the West Africa portfolio. 
The deal, with an effective date of 1 July 2020, is expected to 
complete in the first half of 2021 and will represent the sale 
of approximately 6,000 bopd and approximately 20 million 
barrels of 2P reserves. 

In mid-January 2021, following a major incident aboard the 
CNR operated Espoir field FPSO in Côte d’Ivoire, production 
was shut in for approximately four weeks. Production is now 
returning to full capacity. 

Decommissioning
Asset removal and sea-bed clearance activities in Tullow-
operated licences in the UK North Sea were completed in the 
fourth quarter of 2020. Final surveys are planned in order to 
close out the operated decommissioning programme this 
year. The Group’s non-operated decommissioning activities 
are ongoing and are expected to continue through to 2025. 

In Mauritania, decommissioning of the Chinguetti field wells 
was suspended from March 2020 to January 2021, following 
the Government’s decision to close the borders due to 
COVID-19. Planning and engineering for the decommissioning 
in Tullow-operated licences at the Banda and Tiof fields is in 
progress with operations expected to commence in the fourth 
quarter of 2021, subject to Government approval. The overall 
Mauritania decommissioning programme, scheduled to 
complete in 2022, is however anticipated to increase in cost by 
approximately $30 million over the next two years, an increase 
of $15 million since the CMD, due to COVID-related costs and 
a new requirement for increased levels of seabed clearance.

In aggregate, the Group’s decommissioning expenditure is 
forecast to be approximately $100 million per annum for 2021 
and 2022, decreasing to less than $20 million per annum for 
the subsequent three years. 

Kenya
Throughout 2020, Tullow worked closely with its joint venture 
partners to progress the full field development plan. In August 
2020, Force Majeure notices that had applied since May 2020 
were withdrawn by Tullow and the joint venture partners. 
In September 2020, the Government of Kenya agreed to an 
initial extension for the 10BB and 13T licence blocks until 
31 December 2020 and in December 2020, following approval 
of the 2021 Work Programme and Budget, granted a full 
extension until 31 December 2021 by which date the Group 
is required to submit a Field Development Plan. 

At the CMD, Tullow announced a joint decision to re-assess 
the development plan and design a project that is economic 
at low oil prices whilst preserving the phased development 
concept. Tullow and its joint venture partners expect to 
complete a revised assessment of the project by the second 
quarter of 2021. 

During 2020, the Early Oil Pilot Scheme (EOPS) successfully 
completed two years of production and all the required reservoir 
and production data gathering was completed as planned. 
Tullow and the joint venture partners then closed down EOPS 
and demobilisation of all rental equipment was completed. 
The reservoir and production data gathered during EOPS is 
now being used in redesigning the full field development 
concept. EOPS production of more than 350,000 barrels of 
oil from the Ngamia and Amosing fields provided six months’ 
sustained rate and pressure data. The data confirms reservoir 
quality and continuity in both fields, enabling the Group to 
optimise plans to focus on the most productive wells at the 
crest of the fields, leading to improved rates per well and 
refined injector/producer patterns. The impact of this on 
plateau rates and recoverable resources is being assessed.

In parallel, the joint venture partners are also working closely 
with the Government of Kenya on securing approval of the 
Environmental and Social Impact Assessments and finalising 
the commercial framework for the project. 

Separately, the farm down process was suspended in mid-2020 
to allow time for the joint venture partners to complete their 
comprehensive review of the development concept, following 
which Tullow will assess its strategic options. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

15

STRATEGIC REPORTOperations review continued

Uganda
On 23 April 2020, Tullow agreed the sale of its assets in 
Uganda to Total for $500 million in cash on completion plus 
$75 million in cash following the Final Investment Decision 
(FID) and incremental post first oil contingent payments 
linked to oil prices over $62/bbl. On 28 May 2020 CNOOC 
Uganda Limited informed both Tullow and Total that it had 
elected not to exercise its pre-emption rights. On 18 June 2020 
Tullow published the shareholder circular relating to the 
transaction and on 15 July 2020 a General Meeting was held, 
at which the transaction received approval with over 99 per cent 
of the 56 per cent votes cast in favour. 

On 6 August 2020 the Government of Uganda provided their 
consent to the transfer of operatorship from Tullow to Total and 
on 21 October 2020, Tullow announced that the Government 
of Uganda and the Ugandan Revenue Authority had executed 
a binding Tax Agreement that reflected the pre-agreed 
principles on the tax treatment of the sale of Tullow’s Ugandan 
assets to Total. The Ugandan Minister of Energy and Mineral 
Development also approved the transfer of Tullow’s interests to 
Total and the transfer of operatorship for Block 2. Consequently, 
the sale of the Uganda assets to Total completed on 
10 November 2020 with $500 million consideration 
received on the same day.

Based on recent disclosures from Total at their Full Year 
results, Tullow expects FID for the Lake Albert Development 
to be taken this year which would trigger the $75 million 
payment to Tullow.

Exploration
At its CMD, Tullow stated that its focus in exploration was 
twofold. First, Tullow’s exploration team will fully evaluate the 
prospective net risked resources of 900 million barrels of oil 
equivalent in emerging basins in Suriname, Guyana, Argentina, 
Namibia and Côte d’Ivoire. Secondly, the team will work to 
support Tullow’s established producing operations in West 
Africa through near-field and infrastructure-led exploration.

In 2020, the Group withdrew from its exploration licences in 
Jamaica and the Comoros Islands and significantly reduced 
its footprint in onshore Côte d’Ivoire and Peru.

In January 2020, Tullow drilled the Carapa-1 well in the Kanuku 
licence, offshore Guyana. Although the well was uncommercial 
on a standalone basis, the result extended the prolific Cretaceous 
light oil play into the Group’s Guyana acreage, across both the 
Kanuku and Orinduik blocks. Tullow is now working with its 
joint venture partners on the overall prospect inventory and 
developing plans to unlock value from this acreage.

In February 2020, Tullow drilled the unsuccessful Marina-1 
well in the Z-38 licence offshore Peru, which encountered only 
light gas shows and Tullow is now exiting this licence.

In Suriname, the Goliathberg-Voltzberg North well in Block 47 
is drilling currently and is targeting two prospective intervals 
in a Cretaceous turbidite play in approximately 1,900 metres 
of water. The well is being drilled by the Stena Forth drillship 
and a result is expected in the second quarter of 2021.

A multi-client seismic acquisition in Argentina commenced in 
the fourth quarter of 2019 over the Tullow-operated MLO 114 
and 119 licences but was suspended in May 2020. This campaign 
re-started in late 2020 and is due to complete by the end of 
the first quarter of this year.

16

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Chief Financial Officer’s statement

Our financial performance

Despite a challenging external environment, Tullow has successfully addressed many 
challenges and has developed a new approach to its business, underpinned by a robust 
financial framework. 

“ With our material self-help 
measures and a robust 
Business Plan, we have 
created a strong foundation 
to strengthen the balance 
sheet and deliver value.”
Les Wood 
Chief Financial Officer

Over the course of the year, Tullow focused on addressing the 
many challenges faced at the end of 2019, to put the Group on 
a firmer financial footing. It was a difficult year, including for 
the industry with the oil price reaching a low of just $19/bbl 
in April but a number of significant achievements are worth 
highlighting. These included the $575 million Uganda sale 
in a very challenging M&A market, successful RBL 
re-determinations against an unfavourable financial and 
industry backdrop and the delivery of significant annual 
G&A savings. In addition, the teams developed a self-funded 
long term Business Plan, which was communicated at 
our November 2020 Capital Markets Day, setting a solid 
foundation to deliver material value and cash flow and to 
address the Company’s near term debt maturities. 

2020 financial results
In 2020 Tullow generated $1.4 billion in revenue and, after 
$288 million of capital and decommissioning expenditure, 
and Uganda sales proceeds of $500 million, generated free 
cash flow of $432 million. 

We have reported substantial pre-tax impairments and 
exploration write-offs totalling $1.2 billion. These were 
primarily driven by a $5/bbl reduction in the Group’s long term 
accounting oil price assumption to $60/bbl and lower near term 
oil price forecasts. The impact of these impairments and 
write-offs led to a post-tax loss of $1.2 billion.

In 2020 our net operating costs reduced to $332 million 
(2019: $351 million), but unit operating costs increased to 
$12.1/bbl (2019: $11.1/bbl) as a result of lower Group 
production. Net G&A costs were reduced significantly to 
$87 million (2019: $112 million), whilst financing costs 
remained stable $314 million (2019: $322 million). During 
the year, we continued to reduce debt, ending the year at 
$2.4 billion (2019: $2.8 billion), with headroom on free cash 
and undrawn facilities of $1.1 billion.

The combination of all these results was a full-year EBITDAX 
of $0.8 billion (2019: $1.4 billion) and a net debt to EBITDAX 
gearing level of 3.0 times (2019: 2.0 times).

Developing a robust financial framework
It is important that our new approach is underpinned by a 
robust financial framework. 

First, we need to have a strengthened balance sheet that is 
resilient to oil price volatility. In the last four years we have reduced 
net debt by over 50 per cent from a peak of $5 billion, but we must 
continue to prioritise cash flow in the near to medium term to 
further de-lever. We have set a clear path to reduce net debt to 
$1–1.5 billion and gearing well below 1–2 times by 2025.

Second, we need to allocate our capital in a disciplined way. We 
plan to focus over 90 per cent of capital on our producing assets 
which generate high returns, are resilient to lower oil prices 
and ultimately enable the Group to be self-funding. 

Third, we will be focused on maximising the value from these 
assets while also seeking to unlock value from Kenya and our 
emerging basins. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

17

STRATEGIC REPORTChief Financial Officer’s statement continued

Delivering a lower sustainable cost base
We have driven down all of our costs in response to the 
challenging external environment and to make the business 
more resilient to lower prices on a sustainable basis.

This has led to some difficult decisions which include closing 
our offices in Dublin and Cape Town and implementing a 
much leaner and streamlined organisation with headcount 
reduced by 53 per cent over the year. 

We also took steps to enhance the financial organisation 
through two key initiatives. First, we have outsourced core 
elements of our finance and procurement processes to 
Accenture in Bangalore. Not only will this continue to 
improve Tullow’s efficiency and control environment, but 
it will generate material savings over a five-year period. 
Second, we have taken the decision to centralise our 
Finance function. This will allow for greater standardisation, 
a stronger control environment and quicker financial decision 
making. Overall, these initiatives will generate in excess 
of $125 million of annual cash cost savings significantly 
exceeding the target we set ourselves at the beginning 
of the year. 

Material asset sale proceeds support deleveraging
In November 2020, just seven months after signing the 
sale and purchase agreement, we received $500 million of 
proceeds for the sale of our Uganda assets to Total. This was 
an excellent achievement to support the significant net debt 
reduction seen during the year. On 9 February 2021, we also 
announced the sale of our interests in Equatorial Guinea and 
Dussafu asset in Gabon to Panoro for $140 million plus 
contingent payments of up to $40 million and we expect this 
deal to compete in the first half of 2021. The deal is value 
accretive and further strengthens the balance sheet. Market 
conditions made it difficult for us to progress farm-downs in 
Kenya and across our exploration portfolio. We are improving 
our understanding of all these assets and will review our 
strategic options in due course.

New approach supports deleveraging and value creation
The Capital Markets Day held in November 2020 outlined our 
plans to deliver approximately $7 billion of underlying 
operating cash flow over the next 10 years at a conservative 
$55/bbl nominal long term price, with approximately $4 billion 
pre-financing cash flow. Our year-end reserves audits have 
also underpinned the value of our assets and support the debt 
capacity available to us under the Reserves Based Lending 
(RBL) facility. The most recent redetermination of our RBL in 
February 2021 has resulted in debt capacity of approximately 
$1.7 billion at the start of March 2021, resulting in headroom 
of approximately $0.9 billion. 

Disciplined capital allocation
Over the next 10 years, we plan to allocate over 90 per cent of 
our capital expenditure to our West African producing assets. 
The plan is to focus on the substantial resource base where 
there is extensive infrastructure in place. The first phase of 
investment will start in the second quarter of 2021 with the 
commencement of a multi-well drilling programme in Ghana. 
While the Group has material positions in Kenya, and emerging 
basins in South America, we plan to closely manage our capital 
exposure in these assets. In 2021, the main expenditure on 
non-producing assets will be the GVN-1 exploration well in 
Suriname. Full details of the 2021 capital allocation plan are 
provided in the Finance Review. 

18

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Insights from the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
scenario analysis

Tullow tests the resilience of its portfolio against two IEA scenarios: the Stated Policies Scenario and the Sustainable 
Development Scenario. These include both the projected oil and carbon price. Tullow’s uses the long-term oil price of  
$60/bbl real but also tests the robustness of our portfolio against $55/bbl nominal. The Sustainable Development Scenario 
All text to be supplied
(SDS) – aligned to the Paris goals - projects a modest decline in prices to $57/bbl real by 2025 and to $53/bbl real by 2040, 
hence the limited negative impact on the Net Present Value in this scenario. While the majority of prospects in Tullow’s 
portfolio remain commercially robust at $55/bbl, the further the presumed First Oil dates are into the future, the more 
the NPV is impacted. In the Stated Policies scenario, Tullow’s portfolio is positively impacted. Tullow intends to mature 
its scenario analysis in 2021 to account for additional transition risks.

NPV of portfolio*

Ghana

Non-op

Kenya

Exploration

Stated Policies
Scenario(SPS) 1





Sustainable 
Development
 Scenario  (SDS)2





Impact on NPV
  +10 to 20% 
  0 to -9% 

*  Tullow uses the long term oil price of $60/bbl real but also tests our investments and Business Plan at $55/bbl nominal. 

1.  SPS projected 2040 oil price is $85/bbl – real.

2.  SDS projected 2040 oil price is $53/bbl – real.

2021 outlook
2021 will be a year of transition as we start to grow production 
back to sustainable levels and start to generate significant 
free cash flow from 2022 onwards. With the forward curve in 
March well ahead of our budget oil price of $45/bbl we would 
forecast to be cash flow positive if sustained over the course 
of the year.

A clear priority for the first half of this year will be the 
refinancing of our near term debt maturities. We have 
appointed advisors and constructive discussions are ongoing 
with both the RBL banks and their advisors and advisors 
to the bondholders. We are confident that we will be able 
to reach agreement in the first half of 2021.

Overall, Tullow now has a long term plan, underpinned by 
a large resource base, that can deliver significant value 
and cash flow for all stakeholders. While challenges remain, 
2021 is a key year to execute this plan and put Tullow back 
on track.

Les Wood
Chief Financial Officer

9 March 2021

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

19

STRATEGIC REPORT Finance review

2020 financial results

Financial results summary

2020

2019

Working interest production volume 
(boepd)1

Sales volume (boepd)

Realised oil price ($/bbl)

Total revenue ($m)

Gross profit ($m)

Underlying cash operating costs per 
boe ($/boe)2

Exploration costs written off ($m)

Impairment of property, plant and 
equipment, net ($m)

Operating loss ($m)

Loss before tax ($m)

Loss after tax ($m)

Basic loss per share (cents)

Capital investment ($m)2

Adjusted EBITDAX ($m)2

Net debt ($m)2

Gearing (times)2

Free cash flow ($m)2

74,900

74,600

50.9

1,396

403

12.1

987

251

(1,018)

(1,273)

(1,222)

(86.6)

288

804

2,376

3.0

432

84,800

74,000

62.4

1,683

759

11.1

1,253

781

(1,385)

(1,653)

(1,694)

(120.8)

490

1,398

2,806

2.0

355

1. 

Including the impact of production-equivalent insurance payments from 
the Jubilee field, Group working interest production was 74,900 boepd 
(2019: 86,800 boepd) including working interest gas production of nil boepd 
(2019: 100 boepd).

2.  Alternative Performance measures are explained and reconciled on 

pages 151 to 152.

Production and commodity prices 
Total Group working interest production averaged 74,900 boepd, 
a decrease of 12 per cent for the year (2019: 84,800 boepd). The 
decrease resulted from field decline and water-cut in Ghana 
partially offset by higher uptime on Jubilee. There have also been 
OPEC+ enforced production cuts impacting certain Gabon fields.

The Group’s realised oil price after hedging was $50.9/bbl 
and $42.9/bbl before hedging (2019: $62.4/bbl and $64.3/bbl 
respectively). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global 
oil demand resulted in depressed oil prices during 2020 and 
significant discounts to the Dated Brent benchmark oil price 
for the cargoes sold during April and May 2020. Low oil prices 
led to a gain on the realisation of commodity hedges, increasing 
total revenue by $219 million (2019: loss of $53 million).

20

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Underlying cash operating costs, depreciation, 
impairments, write-offs and administrative expenses
Underlying cash operating costs amounted to $332 million; 
$12.1/boe (2019: $351 million; $11.1/boe). The 9 per cent 
increase in unit cash operating costs was principally due to 
lower production and increased operational costs incurred 
associated with COVID-19 which was partially offset by a 
reduction in underlying operating costs in the TEN and 
Jubilee fields.

Depreciation, depletion and amortisation (DD&A) charges on 
production and development assets amounted to $446 million; 
$16.3/boe (2019: $696 million; $22.0/boe). This decrease in DD&A 
per barrel is mainly attributable to 2019 and 1H20 impairments.

The Group recognised a net impairment charge on producing 
assets of $251 million in respect of 2020 (2019: $781 million). 
Impairments were primarily due to indicators of impairments 
identified in 1H20 as result of a reduction in short, mid and 
long term prices. In 2H20 an impairment reversal was recorded 
in respect of TEN and Espoir resulting in a full year impairment/
reversal of $149 million and $(2.1) million respectively. This 
was as a result of increased booked 2P reserves and in the 
case of TEN additionally due to lower future capex 
assumptions associated with well costs.

The total exploration cost write-offs for the year ended 
31 December 2020 were $987 million (2019: $1,253 million), 
predominantly driven by a write-down of the value of Kenya 
due to a reduction in the Group’s long term accounting 
nominal oil price assumption from $65/bbl to $60/bbl and 
Uganda was written down to the fair value of the consideration 
as part of the disposal. The remaining write-offs include 
Marina-1 well costs in Peru and the write-off of licence level 
costs associated with Peru, Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire and Namibia 
due to lower levels of planned activity and licence exits. 

Administrative expenses of $87 million (2019: $112 million) 
included an amount of $21 million (2019: $22 million) 
associated with share-based payment charges. The decrease 
in administrative expenses primarily relates to lower payroll 
costs due to the Company organisational restructuring. 
The organisational restructuring, which was completed in 
2020, is expected to deliver sustainable annual cash savings 
of over $125 million per annum.

Restructuring costs and provisions for onerous leases
Changes to provisions in 2020 resulted in an income statement 
charge of $93 million (2019: charge of $4.2 million). The 2020 
charge mainly relates to costs associated with the organisational 
restructuring which include redundancy and charges for 
onerous contracts. Of the $93 million provided for in 2020, 
$58 million was paid in cash.

 
Disposals
During 2020 the Group completed the disposal of its interests 
in Uganda for upfront cash consideration of $500 million, 
with $75 million due on FID and additional contingent future 
payments linked to oil prices. On completion $514 million 
was received in cash, representing the upfront consideration 
plus $14 million of completion adjustments. The $75 million 
payment due on FID has been recorded as a current receivable 
as it is expected to be received in 2021. After deducting 
transaction costs paid in 2020, net cash proceeds on disposal 
were $513.4 million.

Derivative financial instruments
Tullow continues to undertake hedging activities as part of the 
ongoing financial risk management to protect against commodity 
price volatility and to ensure the availability of cash flow for 
re-investment in capital programmes that are driving business 
delivery. Hedging was paused from April to June 2020 due 
to the very low oil price environment. Hedging restarted in 
July 2020 but focused only on 2021.

All of the Group’s derivatives are Level 2 (2019: Level 2). There 
were no transfers between fair value levels during the year.

At 31 December 2020, the Group’s derivative instruments had a 
net positive fair value of $2 million (2019: net negative $12 million).

2021 hedge position 
at 31 December 2020

Bought 
put (floor)

bopd

Sold call

Bought 
call

Collars

39,000

$48.12

$66.47

–

Three-way collars 
(call spread)

1,000

$50.00

$72.80

$82.80

Total/weighted average

40,000

$48.17

$66.63

$82.80

The 2022 hedging position at 31 December 2020 was c.2,000 bopd 
hedged with an average floor price of $50.63/bbl. In February 2021, 
the Group added a further 9,000 bopd of 2022 straight put 
options. The new average protected level is $41/bbl.

Net financing costs
Net financing costs for the year were $255 million (2019: 
$267 million). The decrease in financing costs is associated 
with the reduction in interest on borrowings due to a reduction 
in the average level of net debt in 2020 compared to 2019 and 
a reduction in finance costs associated with the TEN FPSO lease. 
Net financing costs include interest incurred on the Group’s debt 
facilities, foreign exchange gains/losses, the unwinding of 
discount on decommissioning provisions, and the net financing 
costs associated with leased assets, offset by interest earned 
on cash deposits and capitalised borrowing costs.

Taxation
The net tax credit of $52 million (2019: expense of $41 million) 
primarily relates to tax charges in respect of the Group’s 
production activities in West Africa, as well as UK 
decommissioning assets, reduced by deferred tax credits 
associated with exploration write-offs, impairments and 
provisions for onerous service contracts. 

Based on a loss before tax for the period of $1,273 million 
(2019: loss of $1,653 million), the effective tax rate is 4.1 per cent 
(2019: negative 2.4 per cent). After adjusting for non-recurring 
amounts related to restructuring costs, exploration write-offs, 
disposals, impairments, provisions for onerous service contracts 
and their associated deferred tax benefit, the Group’s adjusted 
tax rate is 35.6 per cent (2019: 70.3 per cent). The adjusted tax 
rate has decreased due to utilisation of previously unrecognised 
losses in the UK and prior year adjustments offset by the 
impact of withholding tax.

The Group’s future statutory effective tax rate is sensitive to the 
geographic mix in which pre-tax profits and exploration costs 
written off arise. Unsuccessful exploration is often incurred in 
jurisdictions where the Group has no taxable profits such that 
no related tax benefit results. Consequently, the Group’s tax 
charge will continue to vary according to the jurisdictions in 
which pre-tax profits and exploration cost write-offs occur.

Loss for the year from continuing activities and loss per share
The loss for the year from continuing activities amounted 
to $1,222 million (2019: $1,694 million). Basic loss per share 
was 86.6 cents (2019: 120.8 cents).

Reconciliation of net debt

Year-end 2019 net debt

Sales revenue

Operating costs

Operating and administrative expenses

Cash flow from operations 

Movement in working capital

Tax paid

Purchases of intangible exploration and evaluation 
assets and property, plant and equipment

Other investing activities

Other financing activities

Foreign exchange loss on cash

Year-end 2020 net debt

$m

2,805.5

(1,396.1)

331.7

376.7

687.7

(118.4)

107.5

430.9

(515.2)

356.7

(3.7)

2,375.6

Capital investment
Capital expenditure amounted to $288 million (2019: $490 million) 
with $206 million invested in development activities and 
$82 million invested in exploration and appraisal activities. 
This includes $7 million associated with Uganda which was 
reimbursed by Total on completion of the Uganda Transaction.

Tullow will continue to focus on capital discipline with 2021 
capital investment largely directed at maximising value from 
the Group’s producing assets. The Group’s 2021 capital 
expenditure is expected to total c.$265 million. The capital 
investment total comprises Ghana capex of c.$140 million 
primarily associated with the reinstatement of drilling in 2021, 
West Africa non-operated capex of c.$60 million, Kenya capex 
of c.$5 million, and exploration spend of c. $60 million. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

21

STRATEGIC REPORTFinance review continued

Borrowings
During the year, commitments under Tullow’s Reserves Based 
Lending facility reduced from $2,400 million to $1,980 million 
following voluntary cancellations of commitments in March 
and May. Tullow’s debt facilities further include $300 million 
convertible notes due in 2021, $650 million senior notes due 
in 2022 and $800 million senior notes due in 2025. Liquidity 
headroom of unutilised debt capacity and free cash was 
$1.1 billion at the end of 2020. Tullow’s RBL facility is subject 
to bi-annual debt capacity redeterminations. In October 2020, 
Tullow requested a redetermination to commence following 
the CMD and to complete in January 2021. Tullow 
subsequently agreed with the lenders under the RBL facility 
to an extension of the January 2021 redetermination date by 
up to one month. The redetermination concluded in early 
March with c.$1.7 billion debt capacity approved by the 
lending syndicate.

On 26 February 2021 the Group submitted a liquidity forecast 
test to the lenders in respect of the February 2021 RBL 
redetermination. The Directors concluded that the information 
submitted to the lenders under the RBL facility fulfilled the 
requirements of the liquidity forecast test. At the date of 
approving the Annual Report and Accounts, an approval in 
respect of this test is yet to be received; therefore, a risk 
remains that the Group could fail this test.

As at 31 December 2020, the Group has assessed it does not 
have an unconditional right to defer payment of the RBL 
facility, Senior Notes due 2022 or Senior Notes due 2025 
based on a forecast breach in covenants, as such these 
borrowings have been classified as current. Refer to going 
concern disclosure for further details

Credit ratings 
Tullow maintains corporate credit ratings with Standard & Poor’s 
and Moody’s Investors Service. In March 2020, Standard & Poor’s 
downgraded Tullow’s corporate credit rating to CCC+ from B and 
assigned a negative outlook; consequently, Standard & Poor’s 
also downgraded the rating of Tullow’s corporate bonds to CCC+ 
from B, in line with the corporate credit rating. In October, 
Standard & Poor’s affirmed the corporate credit rating at CCC+ 
and revised the outlook to stable. In March, Moody’s Investors 
Service downgraded Tullow’s corporate credit rating to B3 from 
B2 and placed the rating under review for a possible downgrade; 
consequently, the rating of Tullow’s corporate bonds was lowered 
to Caa2 from Caa1. In November, Moody’s Investors Service 
downgraded Tullow’s corporate credit rating to Caa1 from B3 
and assigned a negative outlook; the rating of Tullow’s corporate 
bonds remained unchanged at Caa2. 

On 5 February 2021 Standard & Poor’s placed Tullow’s CCC+ 
corporate credit rating and CCC+ corporate bond rating on 
negative credit watch.

Liquidity risk management and going concern 
Assessment period and assumptions
The Group closely monitors and carefully manages its liquidity 
risk. Cash flow forecasts are regularly updated, and sensitivities 
run for different scenarios, including, but not limited to, changes in 
commodity price and different forecasts for the Group’s producing 
assets. The Directors consider the going concern assessment 
period to be 13 months to April 2022, thereby including the 
maturity of the $650 million Senior Notes due in April 2022 in the 

22

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

assessment. Management has applied the following oil price 
assumptions for the going concern assessment:

 - Base Case: $50/bbl for 2021, $55/bbl for 2022; and

 - Low Case: $45/bbl for 2021, $50/bbl for 2022.

The Low Case includes, amongst other downside assumptions, 
an 8 per cent production decrease compared to the Base 
Case as well as deferred receipts from portfolio management 
and increased outflows associated with ongoing disputes. 
No mitigating actions have been included in either cases.

The Base Case and Low Case scenarios forecast sufficient 
financial headroom for the 12 months from approval of the 
2020 Annual Report and Accounts on 10 March 2021. However, 
both scenarios forecast a shortfall in April 2022 following the 
repayment of the $650 million Senior Notes due in April 2022, 
which falls within the liquidity forecast test periods in respect 
of the February 2021, September 2021 and March 2022 RBL 
redeterminations. Both cases assume amendments or 
waivers are received for any forecast Liquidity Forecast Test 
or gearing covenant breach as described below.

Refinancing proposal
The Base Case and Low Case scenarios forecast a liquidity 
shortfall in April 2022, which could result in a failure to pass the 
Liquidity Forecast Test, as described below, in respect of the 
February 2021, September 2021 and March 2022 RBL 
redeterminations, and the gearing covenant tests, as described 
below, in respect of 30 June 2021 and 31 December 2021. The 
Group’s management has therefore commenced discussions with 
its existing and potential new creditors, the objective of which is to 
raise new funding and/or agree certain amendments to the terms, 
including the covenants and/or maturity dates, of some or all of 
the RBL Facility, the Convertible Bonds, the 2022 Senior Notes and 
the 2025 Senior Notes with, if necessary, such amendments being 
approved by shareholders (Refinancing Proposal). Whilst the 
Directors believe that a Refinancing Proposal would be in the 
commercial interests of all stakeholders, there can be no certainty 
that the creditors and, if necessary, shareholders will agree to a 
Refinancing Proposal, implementation of which is therefore 
outside the control of the Group.

Liquidity Forecast Test covenants compliance
As part of each RBL re-determination process the Group is 
required to demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the 
relevant majority of its lenders under the RBL Facility that it 
has, or will have, sufficient funds available to meet the 
Group’s financial commitments for a period of 18 months 
starting from the first month immediately following the 
relevant RBL redetermination (Liquidity Forecast Test). 

On 26 February 2021 the Group submitted a Liquidity Forecast 
Test to the lenders in respect of the February 2021 RBL 
redetermination. The Directors concluded that the information 
submitted to the lenders under the RBL Facility, which is 
different from the Base Case and the Low Case scenarios 
described above and includes mitigating actions, fulfilled the 
requirements of the Liquidity Forecast Test. At the date of 
approving the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts, an approval 
in respect of this test is yet to be received, therefore a risk 
remains that the Group could fail this test. 

If the lenders under the RBL Facility were to conclude that the 
information submitted does not fulfil the requirements of the 
Liquidity Forecast Test and the Group was unable to cure the 
resulting default by the end of April 2021, there would be an 

event of default. Such event of default would allow the lenders 
under the RBL Facility, at their discretion, to cancel the RBL 
Facility and demand that all outstanding borrowings under the 
RBL Facility be repaid and/or enforce their security rights. 
This would in turn trigger other creditors’ rights to call 
cross-defaults under the other financing arrangements of the 
Group (namely the Convertible Bonds, the 2022 Senior Notes 
and the 2025 Senior Notes) which could result in the entirety 
of the Group’s borrowings potentially becoming immediately 
repayable by the end of April 2021. While discussions in 
respect of a Refinancing Proposal are continuing the Directors 
believe that, if required, a waiver of such a potential event of 
default in respect of the Liquidity Forecast Test could be 
agreed with the lenders under the RBL Facility.

The Group is also required to submit Liquidity Forecast Tests 
in respect of the September 2021 and March 2022 RBL 
redeterminations. The Base Case and Low Case scenarios 
forecast, before mitigations, a potential liquidity shortfall and 
therefore a potential failure of these tests. However, the 
Directors believe that a Refinancing Proposal could be 
implemented in time for the September 2021 RBL redetermination 
such that no shortfall will be forecast as part of the Liquidity 
Forecast Tests in September 2021 and March 2022. If no 
Refinancing Proposal has been implemented, and refinancing 
discussions were no longer continuing, by September 2021 
there would be a significant risk of the Group entering into, 
or being in, insolvency proceedings, the implications of which 
are described in the section Implications and material 
uncertainties below.

Gearing covenant compliance
The RBL Facility contains a gearing covenant which is tested 
for each 12-month period ending on 30 June and 31 December 
each year, and which requires that net debt of the Group as 
defined in the RBL Facility agreement is lower than 3.5 times 
consolidated EBITDAX (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation 
and exploration write-offs) for each relevant 12-month period. 
Under both the Base Case and the Low Case scenarios, the 
Group’s gearing is forecast to be in excess of the RBL gearing 
covenant when calculated at 30 June 2021 and 31 December 2021, 
the two testing dates falling within the going concern 
assessment period. 

The Group has requested an amendment in respect of these 
gearing covenant testing dates as part of the Refinancing 
Proposal described above. In the event that such amendments 
are not agreed on time for the testing date falling on 30 June 2021, 
the Directors would expect to request a waiver or amendment 
for that testing date only in the first instance, and if needed for 
the testing date falling on 31 December 2021 in the second 
half of the year. The Directors believe that the Group would 
be able to secure such amendments or waivers, which would 
be both consistent with past practice and the Directors’ 
reasonable expectation of the commercial interests of the 
Group and its lenders. 

If the Group is unable to agree an amendment or waiver of the 
gearing covenant, if required, in respect of the 30 June 2021 
testing date, the Directors will deliver to the relevant lenders 
a notification of non-compliance, which is required to be 
delivered as soon as the Group’s unaudited financial statements 
for the half year ended 30 June are available, but no later than 
28 September 2021. If a subsequent 75-day period expires 

without the Company having resolved the non-compliance 
there will be an event of default under the RBL Facility by 
mid-December 2021.

Implications and material uncertainties
The Directors note that implementing a Refinancing Proposal 
or obtaining amendments or waivers in respect of covenant 
breaches is outside the control of the Group. If the Directors 
are unable to implement a Refinancing Proposal or, if necessary, 
obtain amendments or waivers in respect of covenant breaches, 
the ability of the Group to continue trading would depend upon 
the Group being able to negotiate a financial restructuring 
proposal with its creditors and, if necessary, that proposal 
being approved by shareholders. Whilst the Board would seek 
to negotiate such a financial restructuring proposal with its 
creditors, there is no certainty that the creditors would engage 
with the Board in those circumstances. There would therefore 
be a significant risk of the Group entering into insolvency 
proceedings, which the Directors consider would likely result 
in limited or no value being returned to shareholders.

The Directors have concluded that the uncertainties associated 
with implementing a Refinancing Proposal and obtaining 
amendments or waivers in respect of covenant breaches 
or, in the event a Refinancing Proposal is implemented, the 
revised covenants are subsequently breached, are material 
uncertainties that may cast significant doubt that the Group will 
be able to continue as a going concern. Notwithstanding these 
material uncertainties, the Board’s confidence in the Group’s 
ability to implement a Refinancing Proposal supports the 
preparation of the financial statements on a going concern 
basis. The financial statements do not include the adjustments 
that would result if the Group were unable to continue as a 
going concern. 

Events since 31 December 2020
The six-monthly redetermination of Tullow’s Reserves Based 
Lending (RBL) facility was originally expected to conclude at 
the end of January. Tullow and its lending banks agreed to 
extend the process by up to one month, which allowed for 
additional time to review Tullow’s new Business Plan and 
operating strategy. Tullow has now received approval for a 
new debt capacity amount under the facility of $1.7 billion.

On 9 February 2021, Tullow announced that it signed two 
separate sale and purchase agreements with Panoro for all 
of Tullow’s assets in Equatorial Guinea (the EG transaction) 
and the Dussafu asset (the Dussafu transaction) in Gabon for 
$180 million consisting of up to US$105 million for the EG 
Transaction, up to US$70 million for the Dussafu Transaction 
and a further US$5 million consideration to be paid after both 
transactions have completed. The EG Transaction constitutes 
a Class 1 transaction under the UK Listing Rules and is 
subject to the approval of Tullow’s shareholders. The Dussafu 
Transaction constitutes a Class 2 transaction and therefore 
does not require shareholder approval. Completion of the EG 
Transaction and the Dussafu Transaction are not inter-
conditional. However, both transactions are subject to 
customary government and other approvals.

On 2 March 2021, further to the announcement made on 
9 February 2021, Tullow published the shareholder circular 
relating to the transaction having received approval from the 
Financial Conduct Authority. The General Meeting to approve 
the transaction will take place on 18 March 2021.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

23

STRATEGIC REPORTSustainability 

Embedding 
sustainability into 
our business

This disclosure is complemented by Tullow’s 2020 Sustainability 
Report and Climate Risk and Resilience Report, which can be 
found at tullowoil.com/sustainability

Our approach to sustainability is driven by our purpose to build 
a better future through responsible oil and gas development. 
Sustainability is operationalised across the business through 
the implementation of our strategy, management standards, 
governance and audits. Our approach also considers the 
expectations of our key stakeholder groups, our host 
governments and communities, our shareholders and 

banks, and our employees as well as the material issues for 
the sector, reflected in the work of the International Petroleum 
Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA) and 
the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our sustainability 
framework, set out below, has four pillars which combine all 
these inputs and expectations. In 2020, the only update to the 
framework was to consolidate the focus on the SDGs which 
we can meaningfully aim to contribute towards: 

Strategic 
pillar

Safe operations

Shared prosperity

Environmental 
stewardship

Equality and 
transparency

Key themes

Safety and wellness

Responsible production

Local content and 
capacity

Developing local skills

Social investment

Climate resilience

Good governance

Protecting ecosystems

Promoting equality

Material 
topics

Employee health 
and safety

Process safety

Emergency response

Local content and 
capacity

Community 
development

Social investment

Climate change

Compliance

Biodiversity 

Anti-corruption

Water 

Spills

Waste

Inclusion and diversity

Human rights

Tax transparency

SDG 
alignment

24

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Safe operations 

Zero

Zero

Total Recordable Injuries on  
Jubilee and TEN

Total Recordable Injuries in 
our Kenya facilities 

The safe operations pillar of our sustainability framework 
covers safe working, safe processes and emergency response. 
Tullow is committed to the highest standards of health and 
safety and we strive every day to maintain a positive safety 
culture across our business. We work hand in hand with our 
contractors as one team, working to keep everyone safe and 
healthy. We adhere to all laws and regulations governing safe 
working and, in many cases, our internal standards go above 
the requirements of the law.

Managing Tullow’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic 
dominated much of the year. This included working to protect 
our staff from the disease and fatigue due to longer rotation 
shifts and managing operations at periods with minimal crew. 
Thorough risk assessments and plans were put in place across 
our operations, both on the FPSOs and in the office to protect 
the health of our staff and contractors. Go to our Sustainability 
Report for more information on how our business managed 
COVID-19 in our operations throughout 2020.

Tullow’s 2020 performance
We had a disappointing safety performance in 2020. None of the 
eight Total Recordable Injuries (TRIs) were life changing, but 
nevertheless, we strive to eliminate injuring people working 
on our operations.

We achieved zero Recordable Injuries on our Ghana FPSOs 
and Kenya facilities; however, despite these positive aspects of 
our safety performance, during 2020 we experienced a similar 
number of High Potential Incidents (HiPos) compared to 2019. 
Following a number of HiPo events associated with our 
Tullow Ghana operations, the Tullow Ghana leadership held a 
series of safety stand-downs across all parts of the business. 
The discussions were rich, the passion to improve safety 
performance was evident and a clear improvement plan 
has been developed.

Sadly, we recorded a third-party fatality in Ghana, when 
a contracted truck was involved in a road traffic accident. 
We continuously work with third-party road freight contractors 
to ensure that all appropriate measures are implemented 
to reduce such events. 

In 2020 we have spent time analysing similar or repeated 
incidents that have occurred over the years at our Ghana 
operations. These reviews have informed where our 
assurance activities are to be focused and are leading to 
improvements to our incident investigation processes.

One of the highlights of 2020 was Tullow Ghana’s IOGP 
life-saving rule awareness-raising campaign. It spanned a 
three-month period and involved senior leadership and all 
contractors in our operations, promoting each rule via 
presentations, experience sharing, quizzes and more. 

The data below shows Tullow’s Total Recordable Injury Rate 
and Lost Time Injury Rate relative to the IOGP average.

Total Recordable Injury Rate (TRIR) 
and Lost Time Injury Rate (LTIR) 
per million hours worked

0.96

0.73

0.37

0.27

0.99

0.92

0.57

0.56

0.28

0.26

0.24

0.09

1.27

0.32

2017

2018

2019

2020

1.3
1.2
1.1
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0.0

1.03

0.98

0.27

0.0

2016

 IOGP TRIR 

 IOGP LTIR  

 TRIR

 LTIR

Process safety
Overall, our process safety performance in 2020 improved 
with zero Tier 1 Process Safety Events (PSE) related to Loss of 
Primary Containment (LOPC) releases. However, we experienced 
four Tier 2 process safety LOPCs, three on the Jubilee FPSO 
and one on the TEN FPSO. These events were controlled and 
mitigated by the on-board safety systems and resulted in no 
harm or injury to any individual, and no environmental damage. 

There have also been some significant changes to our Jubilee 
operations, including the finalising of the permanent spread 
mooring and commissioning of the oil offloading system. 
These have resulted in significant risk changes and therefore 
the formal safety assessments and Safety Case have been 
updated. Workforce engagement during Safety Case updates 
is vital and has been an important part of the process.

Read our Sustainability Report to find out more about Tullow’s 
new cumulative risk model (CRM); approach to managing 
spills and releases; adoption of the IOGP Process Safety 
Fundamentals; and asset protection and emergency response.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

25

STRATEGIC REPORTSustainability continued

Shared prosperity

Environmental stewardship

$1.9bn

Spent with local suppliers 
over the last seven years

>$3.2m

Financing for local 
businesses through 
Invest in Africa

Shared prosperity is central to our approach to sustainability. 
It reflects our aspiration to ensure that our operations in our 
host countries not only bring business benefits to Tullow, 
but also lasting improvements in the quality of life and 
opportunities for the communities which live nearby. It is 
comprised of three main areas: Local Content, Skills 
Development and Socio-economic Investment. 

Optimise local 
content and build 
supplier capacity

Align with host  
country’s development 
goals and shareholder 
expectations

Focus  
socio-economic 
investment 
and enhance local 
economies

Build local skills 
and develop 
people

With regards to our Local Content expenditure, Tullow’s 2020 
spend in all categories of suppliers in all areas of operations 
reduced by 52 per cent to $162 million (2019: $336 million) 
due to a curtailment in activities because of significantly 
lower oil prices. Local Content expenditure was particularly 
impacted as key activities such as drilling were suspended, 
and other work programmes deferred or cancelled. Despite 
such reductions in spend Tullow continued to support and 
champion local suppliers, with notable successes in the 
Ghana logistics and marine sectors. Tullow has a renewed 
focus on Local Content as we restart activity in Ghana with 
a multi-year multi-well drilling programme in Q2 2021. 

Total spend with indigenous suppliers 

s
n
o
i
l
l
i

m
$

350

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

26

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Net Zero commitment

Tullow supports the goals of Article 2 of the Paris Agreement, 
“holding the increase in the global average temperature to 
well below 2°C and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature 
increase to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels”, and formalised 
this support in our Climate Policy published in April 2020. 
We also recognise that meeting the goals of Article 2 of the 
Paris Agreement requires global carbon emissions to peak 
as soon as possible and then to decline to reach Net Zero in 
the next 30–50 years. To underline this commitment, Tullow 
has committed to achieving Net Zero by 2030 (Scope 1 and 2), 
with an interim target to eliminate routine flaring by 2025.

Despite this long term commitment, Tullow’s operational 
carbon emissions increased significantly in 2020. Tullow’s 
Scope 1 emissions in 2020 were 2.03 million tonnes of CO² e 
(2019: 1.26 million tonnes CO² e), a 61 per cent increase on 
2019 due to elevated levels of flaring, required for better 
reservoir management and sustained production levels. 
For a full explanation and the history behind our elevated 
flaring levels, go to our Climate Risk and Resilience Report. 
As a result of increased flaring, emissions intensity relative to 
production grew from 134 tonnes of CO2 per thousand tonnes 
of hydrocarbon produced in 2019 to 220 tonnes of CO2 per 
thousand tonnes of hydrocarbon produced in 2020. The carbon 
intensity expressed as kg CO² e/boe is 17 kg CO² e/boe in 2019 
and 29 kg CO² e/boe in 2020. 
In 2020, Tullow formed a Net Zero Task Force to define an energy 
transition strategy for Tullow to achieve Net Zero emissions 
(Scope 1 and 2). The Net Zero Task Force, in conjunction with 
an external expert consultant, evaluated several options to 
decarbonise our Ghana operations. Full details on the approach 
and methodology taken can be found in our Sustainability 
Report. Given Tullow’s most material source of Scope 1 
emissions is flaring produced gas to sustain oil production, the 
elimination of routine flaring is a key objective of the Net Zero 
plan and Ghana business. Over the next five years, this will be 
achieved by managing the business’ current dependency on 
the need for routine flaring, namely debottlenecking of gas 
systems on Jubilee and TEN and achieving increased gas 
offtake from the Government of Ghana. Investments are being 
made over the next three years to increase the gas handling 
capacity on Jubilee and enable process modifications on TEN. 

Key to eliminating the need for routine flaring is maintaining 
the consistency of gas supply from Jubilee and TEN fields and 
the corresponding offtake from the Government of Ghana. 
At the end of 2020, Tullow was exporting ~135 mmscfd to 
shore, consistent with the Government of Ghana offtake 
nomination. This will need to be maintained to utilise the gas 
being produced from the higher number of producer wells as 
part of Tullow’s 10 year plan. For 2021, our target is to achieve 
an offtake level between 100 and 135 mmscfd as an optimum 
level to support oil production. There is strong alignment and a 
robust commercial foundation between the JV Partners and 
the Government of Ghana to achieve the targeted levels. 

Tullow and its JV Partners are actively discussing a long term firm 
gas supply and offtake agreement with the Government of Ghana 
which is anticipated to create material value to all parties involved 

 
and which underpins the projected outlook for the 10 year 
Business Plan.

These decarbonisation efforts will set Tullow on a path to reduce 
emissions by ~40 per cent by 2025 relative to 2020 levels on a net 
equity basis across our operated and non-operated portfolio. 
Further identified emissions reduction initiatives for our Ghana 
assets can reduce emissions by an additional 5 per cent. 

Total Gross operated CO₂e emissions and carbon intensity 
for Scope 1 & 2 

e
2
O
C

f
o
s
e
n
n
o
t
d
n
a
s
u
o
h
T

2,500

2,000

1,500

1,000

500

0

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

250

200

150

100

50

0

o
f
h
y
d
r
o
c
a
r
b
o
n
p
r
o
d
u
c
e
d

T
h
o
u
s
a
n
d
t
o
n
n
e
s
o
f

C
O
2
e
p
e
r

t
h
o
u
s
a
n
d
t
o
n
n
e
s

 Scope 1 Co2e

 Scope 2 Co2e

 Carbon intensity

To offset its residual hard to abate carbon emissions, work is 
under way to identify nature-based carbon removal projects, such 
as, reforestation, afforestation and conservation that Tullow will 
invest in to achieve its Net Zero ambition by 2030. 

We will also seek to align our carbon offset strategy with 
government priorities, emerging regulation on Article 6 of the Paris 
Agreement as well as our shared prosperity strategy, focused on 
creating socio-economic opportunities for our host communities.

Carbon accounting
Tullow has begun reporting for the first time in 2020 emissions 
from our non-operated portfolio across our assets in Gabon, 
Equatorial Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. The equity share of emissions 
from these assets in 2020 was 318,271 CO² e. This is separate and 
in addition to the Scope 1 and 2 emissions described in the table 
below. As a result, Tullow’s indirect emissions associated with our 
value chain, or Scope 3 GHG emissions, increased significantly. 
However, given our primary area of control and influence is our 
operated emissions, this is where our decarbonisation efforts will 
continue to focus, in collaboration with our Joint Venture Partners. 

SECR requirements1&2

Emissions type

Group Scope 1 emissions (tCO²e)
Group Scope 2 emissions (tCO²e)
UK Scope 1 emissions (tCO²e)
UK Scope 2 emissions (tCO²e)
Global energy use (Gwh)

UK energy use (Gwh)

2019

2020

1,263,258

2,032,027

1,688

240

713

2,862

4

1,281

271

566

2,682

3.6

1.  GHG data is from managed operations and that the calculation methodology 
can be found in the Basis of Reporting and GHG Calculation Methodology 
document which can be found at www.tullowoil.com/sustainability

2.  EY has provided limited independent assurance over Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

Energy efficiency action 
Tullow Ghana installed solar panels on the roof of the new 
office in the Takoradi Shore base in 2020. Power savings of 
35–40 per cent have been generated since their installation. 
For more information go to our Sustainability Report.

Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures

Tullow is reporting for a second consecutive year in alignment 
with TCFD, reflecting the Company’s recognition of the threat 
posed by climate change and the need to reduce global 
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. 

In 2020 we updated our purpose, which is to ‘build a better 
future through the responsible development of oil and gas’. 
Underpinning this purpose is the Senior Leadership Team and 
Board’s belief that oil and gas will play an essential role in the 
global energy mix for the long term, even if oil demand peaks 
in the coming decades. While recognising the energy transition 
is under way and that a number of companies have started 
their journey to move away from hydrocarbons, we believe 
that host governments around the world will continue to 
greatly value the capability, connectivity and capital that IOCs 
provide. Therefore, our focus for the foreseeable future will be 
oil and gas. Tullow plans to invest billions of dollars over the 
next 10 years, generating significant revenues for our host 
countries, creating local business opportunities, reducing our 
carbon footprint and building a compelling proposition for 
investors and a great place to work for employees. Nevertheless, 
the decarbonisation of the global economy presents oil 
exploration and production companies with fundamental new 
challenges, which our TCFD disclosure addresses. 

Actions that we have taken to manage and mitigate the risks 
to our business from climate change are: classifying climate 
change as a principal risk in our corporate governance and 
risk management processes; committing to achieve Net Zero 
by 2030; understanding decarbonisation opportunities across 
our operations and implementing appropriate reduction 
initiatives while maintaining safety and reliability standards; 
ensuring our business strategy is responsive to evolving 
climate-related legal and regulatory developments; and 
increasing transparency in our performance reporting and 
openness in our engagement about climate change risks. 

Tullow’s CFO, Les Wood, discloses on page 19 our asset-level 
climate change scenario analysis, conducted to assess the 
resilience of our portfolio against future climate change 
scenarios. Tullow currently only tests the resilience of its 
portfolio using projected oil prices from two scenarios 
published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) – the 
Stated Policy Scenario, which assumes the climate policies 
and targets announced by governments (prior to 2018) are 
enacted, consistent with a temperature rise of at least 2.7°C, 
as well as the Sustainable Development Scenario, in which 
the world succeeds in the internationally recognised goal of 
meeting the Paris Agreement to limit global warming to below 
2˚C. In 2021, Tullow will evolve its scenario analysis to take 
account of transition risks. For our full TCFD reporting go to 
our Climate Risk and Resilience Report.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

27

STRATEGIC REPORT 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sustainability continued

Equality and transparency 

Ethical behaviour
Our Code of Ethical Conduct governs the way we work and 
conveys a clear message to all staff and stakeholders on how 
we commit to compliance with laws and regulations, as well 
as our ethical standards. The Code of Conduct is clear on our 
zero tolerance for bribery, corruption and other forms of 
financial crime and this position is strongly reinforced by 
Tullow’s Management and Board. The Code also covers our 
position and controls with regards to human rights, lobbying 
and advocacy, prevention of the facilitation of tax evasion, 
anti-slavery and the General Data Protection Regulation.

We require those who deliver services to us, or who act on our 
behalf, to abide by the Code and meet the requirements of 
specific business ethics and compliance clauses in their 
contracts. This ensures that third parties do not cause us to 
breach our own Code. Prior to awarding contracts, we conduct 
risk-based third-party due diligence to assess risks related to 
ownership structure, anti-bribery and corruption, sanctions, 
trade restrictions, human rights and labour conditions. In 2020, 
we digitised our due diligence processes and implemented 
a workflow management process to allow for third parties to 
be screened automatically against sanctions and trade 
restrictions lists, and for red flags to be escalated in real 
time for review by our internal Ethics and Compliance team. 
This process improvement further ensures that due diligence 
is performed effectively and efficiently and in a timely manner.

During 2020, we relaunched the annual eLearning on the 
Code to all staff. This focused on raising awareness of key 
issues such as anti-bribery and corruption, anti-tax evasion, 
due diligence, human rights, diversity and inclusion, and the 
importance of employee wellbeing. In addition, all staff are 
required to submit an annual Code Certification which is a 
disclosure on how they have complied with the Code in the 
preceding period. We achieved over 99 per cent completion of 
this process by the end of 2020 with the balance being 
completed in January 2021. 

In 2020, we recorded 52 speaking up cases, including four 
submitted via our confidential speaking up line, Safecall. 
We investigated all reported possible or actual breaches 
of the Code and consequently two people left the Group 
or had their contracts terminated.

Speaking up

Corruption 4

Fraud 17

52 speaking up 
cases

8+

Third party 4

Workplace compliance 27

2020 total socio-economic contribution 
Our payments to governments, including payments in kind, 
amounted to $375 million in 2020 (2019: $413 million). Total 
payments to all major stakeholder groups including suppliers 
and communities, as well as governments, brought our total 
socio-economic contribution to $542 million (2019: $753 million). 
In addition to payments to governments, this included 
$162 million spent with local suppliers, and $4.7 million in 
discretionary spend on social projects. Our total payments 
made to the Ghanaian Government in 2020 amounted to 
$180 million (2019: $270 million).

Our people 

Restructuring our business and making  
Tullow a compelling place to work
2020 was a year of significant change for Tullow and its 
people. We fundamentally reset our business and we made 
sure those impacted were treated respectfully and fairly. 
In parallel, we redesigned our Employee Value Proposition 
to make Tullow a compelling place to work and to empower 
and incentivise employees to focus on the regeneration of 
our business.

Supporting our people through change
Tullow undertook significant restructuring of its organisation 
in 2020, with a reduction of 53 per cent in staff headcount 
and the closure of the Cape Town and Dublin offices. Tullow 
ensured that throughout this process people were treated 
fairly and with respect and that the changes were well 
communicated. In all locations, local legislative requirements 
were followed to ensure the legal notification requirements 
were met. Where appropriate, suitable notice periods were 
provided, and representative bodies were consulted. The 
process used objective and appropriate selection criteria for 
redundancies and ensured no discrimination via the selection 
process on the basis of gender, race, age or the raising of past 
concerns. In all markets, Tullow’s severance payments 
exceeded statutory minimums and in all locations employees 
were provided with access to support and counselling via 
employee assistance and career transition programmes. As 
required, we also made available internal Occupational Health 
services. During this re-organisation we have redeployed staff 
to other roles where possible in order to avoid redundancy.

Localisation 
As an oil company based largely in Africa, localisation is 
fundamental to the way we do business in our host countries, 
and to helping to build local skills and contribute to improving 
local livelihoods. We hire local people as a preference 
wherever possible, and adapt recruitment qualification 
thresholds to ensure a broad and inclusive pool of potential 
candidates. Despite the extensive organisational changes in 
2020, we continue to retain deep expertise of African talent 
within our business and are looking to develop and promote 
that talent in order to localise more expatriate roles in the 
medium term. 

28

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

52
+
32
+
8
+
+
O
Employee engagement
Tullow’s Chair and CEO recognise the importance of 
engagement and significantly increased the level of internal 
communications throughout the year relative to 2019. This 
included detailed written and town hall communications from 
the Senior Leadership Team helping staff understand what 
changes were being implemented, the rationale and timings 
of those changes and how they would impact individual teams. 
The Senior Leadership Team also initiated a programme of 
coffee mornings – small group discussions to ensure staff had 
ample opportunity to raise concerns or questions, helping 
them to adapt to the organisational change and stay 
connected. Tullow also organised a Health and Wellbeing 
Fortnight, providing a series of events and opportunities 
for staff to prioritise their mental and physical wellbeing. 

Employee Value Proposition (EVP)
In 2020, Tullow redesigned its EVP to ensure the Company has 
a compelling proposition for its staff and to make clear what 
Tullow expects from its employees by way of upholding the 
Company Values and work ethic. Tullow’s EVP is comprised 
of the elements within the graphic below. Go to our 
Sustainability Report to read more about our new EVP. 

Women’s hourly rate

Women’s bonus pay

2019

35%

43%

2020

38%

43%

2019

44%

46%

2020

37%

43%

Culture
Our values / beliefs

Our reputation

Leadership

Communication

Recognition

Employee Value 
Proposition

Compensation
Salary

Bonus

Share Schemes

Benefits
Healthcare

Pensions

Holiday
Allowances 
& Benefits

Professional 
development
Career development
Performance
management

Work environment
Challenge

Performance Standards
Flexibility

In order to access talent from the wider market, we have 
recently undertaken an external global talent mapping 
exercise to understand the leadership potential and technical 
expertise in the African diaspora in the oil and gas sector. 
Additionally, we are looking to establish an external advisory 
panel of senior Ghanaians to provide objective, external 
perspectives to the Company. For more information on our 
localisation programme, please go to the Sustainability Report. 

Gender pay 
We continue to report on the gender pay gap in the UK as 
required by law, and have a gap of 43 per cent at median 
hourly wage rates in 2020. We face an ongoing challenge to 
recruit and promote qualified and experienced women in 
technical roles in the oil and gas sector, and this has resulted 
in a higher proportion of men in senior roles. For our full 2020 
Gender Pay Gap Report, go to our website.

Gender diversity

Board diversity 

Leadership diversity 

Senior Management 
diversity 

Workforce diversity

2018

13%
(1/8)

25%
(2/8)

21%
(14/68)

2019

37.5%
(3/8)

25%
(1/4)

20%
(12/61)

2020

33%
(3/9)

20%
(1/5)

18%
(4/22)

31%
(303/990)

32%
(305/951)

27%
(129/473)

2020 pay and bonus gaps

Lower (mean)

Lower (median)

2020 pay quartiles

Top quartile

Upper middle quartile

Lower middle quartile

Lower quartile

Men

Women

2019

89%

83%

62%

52%

2020

88%

88%

59%

45%

2019

11%

17%

38%

48%

2020

12%

12%

41%

55%

Percentage received bonus pay

Men

Women

2019

95%

2020

94%

2019

96%

2020

96%

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

29

STRATEGIC REPORT 
Governance and risk management

We proactively manage risks

At Tullow, we recognise that effectively managing risks and opportunities is essential 
to our long term success. This is particularly true in the current risk environment 
and our ability to identify, assess and successfully manage current and emerging 
risks is critical in helping us achieve our strategic objectives and protecting long 
term shareholder value

Risk oversight and governance
A risk focused culture and tone is instilled across all levels at 
Tullow and driven by the Board. The Board is responsible for 
overseeing the principal and enterprise level risk identification, 
assessment and mitigation process. To this end, the Board 
undertakes a bi-annual assessment of the risks facing the 
Company, including those risks that could threaten our business 
strategy, operating model, future performance, solvency and 
liquidity. Emerging risks are discussed by the Board and the 
Senior Leadership Team periodically throughout the year. 

The Board is also responsible for ensuring Tullow maintains an 
effective risk management and internal control system and 

works closely with Tullow’s Senior Leadership Team to ensure 
this is in place. The Senior Leadership Team is collectively 
responsible and accountable for monitoring principal and 
enterprise wide risks, with individual members taking 
ownership for risks that fall within their business area. 

Tullow recognises that risk cannot be fully eliminated and that 
there are certain risks the Board and/or the Senior Leadership 
Team will decide that they are happy to accept when pursuing 
strategic business opportunities. However, these decisions are 
made at an appropriate authority level and reflect Tullow’s 
defined risk appetite.

Tullow’s risk governance framework is illustrated below:

Tullow risk governance framework:

Board

 - Oversees identification, assessment 

and response to enterprise level risks 
(annual planning)

 - Sets risk appetite

 - Monitors effectiveness of risk 

management process

Business leadership

 - Ensures compliance with standards set

 - Identifies and assesses their respective 
business delivery risks (at least annually)

 - Ensures effective risk mitigation actions 

are planned

 - Monitors effectiveness of risk mitigation 
and response plans (at least quarterly)

Principal  
risks

Enterprise risks

Business  
delivery risks

Corporate  
risks

t
n
e
m
e
g
a
n
a
m
k
s
i
r
n
w
o
d
-
p
o
T
/
p
u
-
m
o
t
t
o
B

Senior Leadership Team (SLT) 

 - Sets the tone for an effective risk 

management culture 

 - Identifies and assesses enterprise level 

risks (bi-annually)

 - Monitors effectiveness of risk reduction 
actions for those risks and decides the 
focus of effort (bi-annually)

 - Decides which enterprise risks require 

periodic Board review

Business functions

 - Sets functional standards

 - Identifies and assesses respective 
corporate risks (at least quarterly)

 - Ensures effective risk mitigation actions 

are planned

 - Monitors effectiveness of functional risk 
mitigation and response plans across 
business (quarterly)

Every layer of the organisation is responsible for identifying key risks and managing  
them to the acceptable level (as set by the Board)

30

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
 
Categories of principal risks

Strategy

Cyber

Stakeholder

Conduct

Principal risk 
categories

Climate  
change

Organisation

EHS or  
security

Financial

Risk management process
Our risk management framework takes a ‘top down, bottom 
up’ approach to risk, ensuring that ownership and responsibility 
for identification, assessment and management of key risks 
and opportunities is embedded throughout the business. The 
Board sets the context for risk management through defining 
the strategic direction and risk appetite for the organisation.

Risk management framework

Project risk registers feed into the Enterprise Risk 
Management process 

Ghana business 

Kenya business 

risks

risks

East Africa and 

Non-operated 

business risks

Exploration 

business risks

Business and functional review and oversight

SLT led enterprise risk review and oversight

Enterprise risks 2020

Risks identification and assessment
Each Business Unit and function is responsible, and 
accountable, for managing risk and risk mitigation within 
their remit. The leadership team in that area reviews and 
reassesses risk on at least a quarterly basis to evaluate 
the strength of existing controls and determine whether 
additional risk reduction actions are needed to ensure the 
risk level is within the risk appetite set by the Board. 

Consolidation of business risks 
To facilitate assessment of the main risks facing the business, 
Tullow’s leadership undertakes a bottom-up review of the key 
risks faced by the business. The key risks in each area are 
identified by the Business Units and functions in the Company, 
including mitigating actions and any emerging risks. These 
are consolidated upwards into the Company risk register and 
assessed according to their likelihood of occurring over a five 
year period, and the potential consequences to Tullow in terms 
of safety, reputational, financial, legal and regulatory impact. 

From this, the Senior Leadership Team identifies the 
enterprise level risks which can be either a single risk, or a 
set of aggregated risks which, taken together, are significant 
for Tullow. A member of the Senior Leadership Team has 
ownership and accountability for stewardship of each of the 
enterprise level risks. As a collective, the Senior Leadership 
Team review and discuss the enterprise risks to challenge 
whether mitigations are being effectively executed within the 
agreed timeframe. 

On a bi-annual basis the enterprise risks are discussed by the 
Board to provide ‘top down’ challenge and support. The outcome 
of this, as well as key messages, are communicated back down 
to the Business Units and functions to facilitate risk awareness 
and effective decision making throughout the organisation. 

Risk appetite
The Board sets Tullow’s risk appetite and acceptable risk 
tolerance levels for each of the principal risk categories. 
In considering Tullow’s risk appetite, the Board reviewed 
the risk process, the assessment of enterprise level risks and 
the existing controls and mitigating actions that drive towards 
residual risk. During this process, the Board articulated which 
risks Tullow should not tolerate, which should be managed 
to an acceptable level and which should be accepted in order 
to deliver our business strategy. 

The risk appetite is reviewed at least annually by the Board 
to ensure that it reflects the current external and market 
conditions. The Board last reviewed the risk appetites 
in February 2020. The Senior Leadership Team reviewed the 
risk appetite statements in February 2021 against the revised 
principal risks and the Board will next review the risk appetite 
statements in March 2021. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

31

STRATEGIC REPORTGovernance and risk management continued

Lines of defence

First line of defence 
Business leadership 
(ownership and management of risk)
 - Own and manage business risks. Implement and execute 

controls in business. Monitor risks and control at 
business level.

 - Assurance provided through self-reviews and focused 

assurance reviews.

 - Projects – implement and execute controls at site/project 

level. Monitor risks and controls at site/project level.

Second line of defence 
Heads of functions (risk management and oversight)
 - Set functional standards (minimum controls) and monitor 

compliance with them.

 - Provide challenge at key decision points (life cycle value 
chain, business plans, budgets, contracts, transactions).

 - Own and manage functional risks. Implement and 

execute controls. 

 - Assurance provided through periodic reporting and 

focused reviews.

Third line of defence 
Internal Audit (independent assurance)
 - Provide independent assurance of respective governance, 
internal control systems and controls across all levels of 
the business.

 - Assurance provided through risk-based internal audits. 

Internal control 
A foundation of effective governance, risk management and 
control has been established throughout the organisation. 
Core to this is our Integrated Management System (IMS) 
which sets out all mandatory policies, standards and controls 
necessary to manage our activities and associated risks. The 
effectiveness of the internal control framework is reviewed 
through the risk management process and challenged as 
described above. In addition to this, the Senior Leadership 
Team and Audit Committee perform an annual review of the 
effectiveness of internal control.

Nature of assurance 
 - Assurance activities are put in place across the three lines 
of defence to assure against key risks. These specifically 
focus on areas where there are internal/external changes, 
control failures and historical issues. 

 - Business leadership acts as the first line of defence and is 
responsible for ensuring their key risks are being managed 
effectively and that adequate controls are in place to 
manage those risks. 

 - Group oversight acts as a second line of defence and as well 
as setting functional standards is responsible for ensuring 
compliance with them. They obtain assurance through 
periodic reporting and focused assurance reviews. They are 
also responsible for identifying and managing risks that fall 
under their remit. Given the change in business structure 
and reporting lines the assurance provided over the second 
line of defence is currently under review. 

 - Internal Audit acts as the third line of defence and is 

responsible for providing independent assurance through 
its risk-based internal audit programme. The Internal Audit 
Plan and outputs are reviewed by the Audit Committee. 
Agreed actions for improving the control environment and 
managing risk are owned by assigned individuals and 
monitored through Tullow’s performance review process. 
The Audit Committee monitors the implementation for 
recommendations arising. 

 - Tullow’s risk management and assurance processes 
provide the Board and the Management Team with 
reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that our assets 
and reputation are protected. 

Evolution of Tullow’s management of risk and control 
Organisational and strategic changes made throughout 
the year have redefined ownership and point of decision 
making across the business. The changes aimed to promote 
accountability and challenge at a senior level and remove 
the need for multiple layers of review as Tullow becomes 
a more agile business. 

During 2020 the risk management and control framework has 
been evolved to align to the new ways of working and this will 
continue to evolve into 2021. Although the controls have been 
in place to mitigate key risks throughout 2020 the nature of 
these controls has changed and the business has launched 
a programme of transformation to review key processes and 
the IMS to make sure it continues to be fit-for-purpose for 
the new business structure. 

The risk framework has been realigned to the new business 
reporting lines and senior risk owners have been identified to 
ensure that a greater culture of risk awareness and challenge 
is instilled throughout the business with an increased focus 
on mitigating actions. This will continue into 2021 including 
updating the accountability framework and reviewing the 
assurance processes in place over the newly defined 
key controls. 

Tullow’s risk profile 
The Company risk profile has been closely monitored 
throughout the year, with consideration given to the risks to 
delivering the Business Plan as well as whether the COVID-19 
pandemic or oil price volatility resulted in any new risks or 
changes to existing risks. Risks associated with COVID-19 
have been considered and managed across all principal 
risk categories.

32

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Strategy risk 

Link to 2021 scorecard – Business Plan Implementation

Risk of failure to deliver operations, development and subsurface objectives  

Risk owner: Rahul Dhir

Risk details

Risk mitigations

Tullow has developed a Business Plan to deliver material value and 
cash flow. This will help Tullow reduce leverage and create value for 
our shareholders. The success of the plan is reliant on delivery of 
clear targets and disciplined allocation of capital and our human 
resources. Failure to achieve the objectives will impair value and loss 
of shareholder confidence and support. Key execution risks not 
addressed elsewhere include:

 - Lack of ability to increase oil production and replenish our 

resource base will reduce our ability to deliver value and cash flow 
and could ultimately impair our ability to reduce leverage

 -  Operational and subsurface challenges prevent us from achieving 

our planned oil production 

 -  Ghana gas market constraints reduce our planned gas offtake 

which would impact oil production and our ability to reduce flaring 

 -  Unable to progress the preparation of FDP in Kenya and therefore 

any exercise to unlock Kenyan potential 

 - Inability to unlock the potential in emerging basins may reduce 

value creation opportunities

 - High concentration risk in Ghana and Gabon

 - Well defined and integrated plan to deliver the necessary inputs 

needed to achieve Business Plan objectives

 - Clear KPIs and accountability defined 

 - Ongoing business performance review process to monitor performance 

 -  Large portfolio of high-return drilling and investment opportunities 
defined with JV support in Ghana and across non-operated assets

 -  Improvements in facilities' reliability through targeted interventions 

 -  Simplified well design and reduced completion complexity 

 -  Integrated planning across subsurface, drilling and projects teams

 -  Alignment with Government of Ghana on gas offtake for 2021 with 

longer term negotiations under way 

 -  Active engagement with JV and Government of Kenya to progress 

preparation of FDP in Kenya 

 -  Exploration plan in place for emerging basins, particularly 

Argentina, Guyana and Suriname 

Risk of failure to deliver commercially attractive projects and operations due to sustained low oil price 

Risk owner: Les Wood 

Risk details

Risk mitigations

The nature of the industry within which we operate means the 
volatility of oil price is always a risk that Tullow remains exposed to.

 - Cost base reduced substantially to be viable in a lower oil price 

environment

 - Prolonged low oil price and increased volatility would lead to a 

 - 60 per cent of 2021 oil entitlement hedged at an average floor price 

decrease in asset values and reduced access to funding

of $48/bbl

 - Proven, tested and successful business continuity process and 

plans in place for managing COVID-19

Stakeholder risk 

Link to 2021 scorecard – Leadership

Risk of disruption to business due to inability to manage stakeholder relations 

Risk owner: Rahul Dhir

Risk details

Risk mitigations

The value of our assets and cash flow generation may be eroded 
by unreasonable financial/fiscal demands by host governments 
or actions that impair contract sanctity. 

There is a risk of political interference in our operations that 
may impact our ability to award contracts to the appropriate 
service providers. 

 -  Well defined plan to engage proactively with all key stakeholders: 

all relevant stakeholders identified and relationship 
accountabilities defined 

 -  Communication plan developed to educate stakeholders on the 

broader impact of the Business Plan on the nation 

 - Reliance on robust stabilisation clauses in all our Petroleum 

Inability to manage relations with key ministries, regulators and the 
wider community could result in delays in relevant approvals and 
community ill will.

Agreements.

 -  Tax advice obtained

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

33

STRATEGIC REPORTGovernance and risk management continued

Climate change risk 

Risk of failure to manage impact of climate change 

Link to 2021 scorecard – Sustainability

Risk owner: Julia Ross 

Risk details

Risk mitigations

The climate agenda is an increasing area of focus globally, 
particularly for Tullow as we evolve the business and work towards 
improving our approach to environmental impact.

 -  Cross-functional team established to identify opportunities to 

reduce carbon emissions across our operations and/or investment 
in nature-based carbon removal projects to offset emissions impact

Failure to manage the impact of climate change arising from evolving 
policies and increased volatility and downside risk in oil prices could 
affect the commerciality of our portfolio, lead to loss of licence to 
operate and result in limited access to/increased cost of capital.

 -  There may be challenges to delivering a suitable strategy to 
address climate change due to limited resources available

 -  2030 Net Zero (Scope 1 & 2) commitment and pathway identified 

to decarbonise our Ghana assets

 -  Long term gas offtake options support elimination of flaring 

 -  Enhanced understanding of climate related financial risks 
including TCFD climate disclosure in our Annual Report

 -  Stress test the portfolio to ensure its resilience to IEA’s 

Sustainable Development scenario

EHS or security risk 

Link to 2021 scorecard – Safety, Production and Business Plan Implementation

Risk of asset integrity breach or major production failure  

Risk owner: Wissam Al-Monthiry 

Risk details

Risk mitigations

The nature of our operations will always have an inherent risk of a 
major incident resulting in fatalities, loss of production, and/or 
extensive damage to facilities, the environment or communities. 
The nature of our business at the moment means that we are reliant 
on several key operated assets as well as our non-operated and 
exploration portfolio. 

 -  A large gas release/asset integrity breach due to a topside event 
resulting in a Major Accident Event may occur, which may lead to 
injury to personnel, a prolonged production outage and potential 
significant environmental damage

 -  Asset and well integrity and maintenance programmes with 

regular internal verification and external assurance 

 -  Independently Verified Safety Case Document establishing 

quantitative risk estimate assuming effective systems and risk 
tolerance thresholds

 -  FPSO periodic planned shutdowns to carry out required 
inspection, maintenance, repair and modification works

 -  Inherently Safer Design principles application in engineering 

modifications

 -  Assurance and Compliance management including Class 

 -  Increased level of assurance activity on the FPSO with Tullow 
Offshore field managers undertaking significant assurance 
activities offshore

 -  Comprehensive all-risk insurance in place

Financial risk 

 Link to 2021 scorecard – Financial Performance and Capital Structure

Risk of insufficient liquidity and funding capacity 

Risk owner: Les Wood

Risk details

Risk mitigations

Tullow remains exposed to erosion of its balance sheet and revenues 
due to oil price volatility, unexpected operational incidents, ongoing 
costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to complete 
portfolio options and inability to refinance.

 -  Tullow may have difficulty securing a resolution of debt maturities 

due to failure to deliver its Business Plan, which may lead to 
insufficient liquidity and potential impact on funding capacity

 -  Range of high-quality assets that could be sold as part of portfolio 

management to unlock capital and pay down debt

 -  Leverage targets and minimum headroom policy approved by 

the Board

 -  2020 year-end undrawn facility headroom and free cash of 

$1.1 billion

 -  Dynamic working capital and cash flow management including 

ability to flex capital investment

 -  Solid foundation to address debt maturities

Risk that we fail to deliver a sustainable capital structure 

Risk owner: Les Wood

Risk details

Risk mitigations

Tullow’s ability to deliver the Business Plan is dependent on 
developing a timely and sustainable capital structure. 

 - Tullow may have challenges in the timely delivery of a sustainable 

capital structure; this could impact the ability to cover debt 
servicing costs over an extended period or continued operations 
as the capital structure is being implemented. Both scenarios 
could potentially negatively impact the ability to deliver the 
Business Plan

34

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 -  Plan to prioritise investments with high returns and short payback

 -  Solid foundation to address debt maturities

 -  RBL redetermination plan in place 

 -  Plan to drive gearing to 1x-2x with appropriate liquidity headroom 

Organisation risk  

 Link to 2021 scorecard – Business Plan Implementation and Leadership

Risk that the transformation plan fails to support the strategy and deliver cost savings  

Risk owner: Julia Ross 

Risk details

Risk mitigations

Tullow may be unable to maintain or improve operational 
performance and pursue growth if the Company is unable to evolve, 
maintain and sustain its organisational capabilities and deliver 
identified cost savings and successfully fully implement its planned 
transformational organisation change.

 -  The objectives/cost savings of the Transformation Project may 
not be achieved. This may result in a negative impact on cash 
flow and an organisation that is no longer fit-for-purpose from 
a cost perspective

 -  Transformation team established which includes external advisors

 -  Bottom-up review with external consultant

 -  Transformation plan developed and key milestones identified and 

tracked 

 -  Organisation restructured; headcount reduced by 53 per cent 

and outsourcing of certain routine activities

 -  Cost-driven performance management being implemented

Risk that the people strategy and culture do not support the strategy 

Risk owner: Julia Ross 

Risk details

Risk mitigations

Tullow’s success depends on the quality of talent it can attract and 
retain and a strong ethically minded and performance-focused 
culture.

 -  Tullow may be unable to attract and retain suitably experienced 
individuals which could lead to a lack of sufficient resource and 
capability to deliver core business activities. This may result in an 
inability to meet strategic objectives and increased constraints on 
the capacity and moral of remaining staff

 -  Revised Employee Value Proposition (EVP) launched in 2020 

aligning to restructured organisation

 -  New approach to performance management being implemented 

across the organisation

 -  A renewed focus on Diversity and Inclusion 

 -  Review in progress to update succession plans for senior and 

critical roles

 -  Focus on health and wellbeing; rolling wellness programme

Conduct risk  

Risk of major compliance breach 

Risk details

 Link to 2021 scorecard – Business Plan Implementation and Leadership

Risk owner: Mike Walsh 

Risk mitigations

Tullow maintains high ethical standards across the business, 
without which the Company could be exposed to increased risk of 
non-compliance with bribery and corruption legislation or contractual 
obligations along with other applicable business conduct requirements.

 -  In particular, an unforeseen material compliance breach could 
lead to regulatory action, an unsettled litigation/dispute or 
additional future litigation that may result in unplanned cash 
outflow, penalty/fines and a loss of stakeholder confidence 
in management

 -  Annual Code of Ethical Conduct staff eLearning and code 

certification process

 -  Third-party due diligence procedures and assurance processes 

in place

 -  Misconduct and loss reporting standard and associated 

procedures in place

 -  Well established Anti-Bribery and Corruption governance

 -  Process in place for GDPR investigations

Cyber risk  

Risk of major cyber attack 

Risk details

The external cyber threat environment is continuously evolving and 
intensifying; therefore, this is an ongoing risk that requires constant 
monitoring and management. 

 -  Tullow may suffer an external cyber attack which could have far 

reaching consequences for the business. This could result in loss 
of sensitive personal or commercial data or allow external parties 
to limit our ability to operate, seize production or potentially 
trigger a major incident

 -  Anti-tax evasion risk assessment undertaken with clear mitigation 

actions identified

 -  Recorded and investigated 52 concerns raised, of which 50 cases 

are closed. Appropriate actions have been taken including 
employee dismissal (for serious breaches)

 Link to 2021 scorecard – Business Plan Implementation and Leadership

Risk owner: Mike Walsh 

Risk mitigations

 -  Advanced security operations centre in place providing 24/7 

network and device monitoring

 -  Security incident event management systems in place.

 -  Security awareness programme in place

 -  Joint Tullow/MODEC industrial control system security 

programme in place

 -  Corporate security programme in place

 -  Annual mandatory security and GDPR awareness training

 -  Staff susceptibility to phishing regularly tested

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

35

STRATEGIC REPORTSection 172(1) statement

Statement by the Directors in performance of their statutory duties in accordance 
with s172(1) of the Companies Act 2006

2020 was a year in which the Board of Directors of Tullow Oil plc considered and implemented material decisions. 
The Board consider, both individually and together, that they have acted in the way they consider, in good faith, would 
be most likely to promote the success of the Company for the benefit of its members as a whole (having regard to the 
stakeholders and matters set out in s172(1)(a-f) of the Companies Act 2006) in the decisions taken throughout the year 
ended 31 December 2020. 

Tullow’s purpose is to build a better future through responsible oil and gas development, and we are focused on creating 
sustainable long term value for each of our stakeholders. To achieve this, the Board has established the Company’s 
strategic roadmap see page 3, it has placed priority on good engagement with all stakeholders (see page 48) and it has 
considered and monitored the Company’s principal risks (see pages 31 to 35). The Board takes each of these matters into 
account and the likely long term consequences of its decisions when pursuing the Company’s purpose. 

Following the release of the Company’s 2019 full year results in which the Directors concluded there was a material 
uncertainty that the Group would be able to operate as a going concern, the Directors received specific training on all their 
duties and obligations as Directors, including those under s172 of the Companies Act 2006, to enable them to better 
consider the Company’s various stakeholders appropriately when making decisions. 

The disappointing operational and financial performance of the Company in 2019 required the Board to make some 
challenging decisions in 2020 on the structure of the business and its portfolio of assets for the benefit of the Company’s 
shareholders and creditors, which ultimately led to a comprehensive reorganisation of the business, including disposal and 
restructuring parts of the portfolio, the closure of certain offices and a reduction in our staffing levels by 53 per cent. During 
this process, certain Directors met with the employee Tullow Advisory Panel (see page 48) and the feedback received was 
relayed to the Board as a whole. This assisted the Board in working with the Executive to ensure that both departing and 
remaining staff were treated fairly and with the respect they deserved. 

When the Board was considering the decision to reduce the level of the Group’s operations in Kenya, it took into consideration 
the potential impacts on our host country of Kenya and its local communities. As a result, although the operations were 
reduced, the Board ensured that sufficient funding was made available to the relevant Group subsidiary to continue providing 
water to the local communities and the Safety and Sustainability Committee of the Board has a continuing role in monitoring 
the effective handover of this and other specific social investment projects in Kenya.

When the Board was considering the decision to dispose of the Group’s assets in Uganda which would likely benefit certain 
of the Company’s stakeholders, the Safety and Sustainability Committee sought assurances over the arrangements for the 
transition and continued support for the Company’s other stakeholders which were reliant upon the social investment 
projects in Uganda. 

When the Board was considering the allocation of capital during its comprehensive reorganisation of the business and 
approval of the 2021 budget, it took into account the interests of the Company’s stakeholders, including its shareholders 
and creditors, to seek an appropriate balance of investing in the long term value of the Company’s assets for our 
shareholders and meeting the near term obligations of our creditors. 

The Board believes strongly in the importance of being a responsible operator across all aspects of our business. In this 
regard, the safety of Tullow’s workforce and the communities in which we operate is critical to our purpose, the quality 
of our relationships with host countries is very important and remains a priority, and our ability to respond to society’s 
demand for the transition to a low-carbon energy supply by achieving our 2030 Net Zero target is now a central component 
of our strategy. 

In the short term we will seek to establish a more stable capital structure for the business that will provide a sound 
foundation to benefit all of our stakeholders in the long term. 

These are some of the principles which the Directors took into consideration when setting the 2021 KPI scorecard 
and the Board will continue to monitor in the year ahead. 

36

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Viability statement

In accordance with the provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Board has assessed the prospects and the viability 
of the Group over a longer period than the 12 months required by the ‘going concern’ provision. The Board assesses the 
business over a number of time horizons for different reasons, including the following: Annual Corporate Budget (i.e. 2021), 
Two-year Forecast (i.e. 2021–2022), Five-year Corporate Business Plan (i.e. 2021–2025), and Long term Plan. The Board 
conducted the review for the purposes of the Viability Statement over a three-year period. The three-year period was selected 
for the following reasons:

i.   in light of the current highly volatile market environment the Group considers the Group’s facility and free cash headroom, debt: 
equity mix, and other financial ratios, over a three-year period as opposed to the five-year Corporate Business Plan period;

ii.   the current contractual maturity of the Group’s $300 million Convertible Notes due in July 2021 and $650 million Senior 
Notes due in April 2022 fall within a three-year period and as such the three-year period is largely aligned with Tullow’s 
funding cycle; and

iii.  this also aligns with the current transitional business cycle with the significant projected increase in production and 

operating cash flow generation in 2023 following a period of significant capital investment in the Group's producing assets.

Notwithstanding this fact the Group will continue to monitor the business over all time horizons noted above.

As noted on pages 22 to 23 in the Group’s going concern assessment, the Directors have concluded that the uncertainties 
associated with implementing a Refinancing Proposal and obtaining amendments or waivers in respect of future forecast 
covenant breaches or, in the event a Refinancing Proposal does complete, the revised covenants are subsequently breached, 
are material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt that the Group will be able to continue as a going concern.

On a longer term basis, when considering the Viability Statement under the Base Case assumptions and a combination of 
reasonably plausible low case scenarios over the three-year period, the same uncertainties exist. However, the Base Case 
assumes that the Group’s Refinancing Proposal is successfully completed and the Group obtains amendments or waivers 
in respect of future forecast covenant breaches or, in the event a Refinancing Proposal is implemented, the Group obtains 
amendments or waivers in respect of any breaches of revised covenants, which results in, the Group forecasting liquidity 
headroom over the three-year period. The Group has additional mitigating actions available to it should the combination of 
reasonably plausible low case scenarios arise, including reductions to capital investment, protection of oil price volatility 
through hedging, further portfolio management and, if required, raising additional capital. The Directors are committed to 
delivering a refinancing proposal, and further mitigating actions if a combination of reasonably plausible low case scenarios 
arises, and they therefore believe that the Group continues to be viable over the three-year assessment period.

Tullow has also assessed its viability in line with the IEA’s Sustainable Development Scenarios; see page 19 for details.

Principal risks* Base Case assumption

Downside scenario

Strategy  
risks

Production is assumed to be in line with the  
Business Plan.

8 per cent reduction in production.

Oil price: 2021: $45/bbl, 2022: $47.5/bbl, 2023+: $50/bbl.

Oil price: 2021: $50/bbl, 2022: $55/bbl, 2023+: $55/bbl.

Stakeholder  
risks

Associated with host government stakeholders the 
Group has included $87 million outflow associated with 
tax exposures (refer to page 107 to 108 for a description 
of the Group’s uncertain tax positions).

Exposure beyond the $87 million included in the Base 
Case is either not anticipated to occur within the three-year 
assessment period or is not reasonably plausible to occur 
at all. 

Climate  
change risk

The key impact of climate change on the Groups’ portfolio 
of assets is reflected in oil prices, which are assumed as: 
2021: $50/bbl, 2022: $55/bbl and 2023+: $55/bbl.

In a downside scenario the Group has assumed a 
reduction in the Base Case assumption which is below 
the current IEA SDS scenario of: 2021: $45/bbl, 2022: 
$47.5/bbl, 2023+: $50/bbl.

EHS or  
security 
risks

Production, operating costs and capital investment 
are assumed to be in line with the Business Plan.

8 per cent reduction in production.

Financial  
risks

Contractual maturities of debt instruments. However, the 
refinancing proposal is assumed as a mitigating action.

Contractual maturities of debt instruments. However, the 
refinancing proposal is assumed as a mitigating action.

* For detailed information on risk mitigation, assurance and progress in 2020 refer to discussion of the detailed risks above.

For Organisational Risk, Conduct Risk and Cyber Risk the Group has assessed that there is no reasonably plausible scenario 
that can be modelled in isolation or in combination with other risks from a cash flow perspective.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

37

STRATEGIC REPORTNon-financial reporting 

Tullow aims to comply with the non-financial reporting requirements contained in sections 
414CA and 414CB of the Companies Act 2006. The table below outlines to stakeholders 
Tullow’s position, principal policies, main risks and KPIs on key non-financial areas.

Requirement

Environment

Further information: Environment,  
see pages 26 to 27.

Employees

Further information: Our People,  
see pages 28 to 29.

Further information: Health and Safety,  
see page 25.

Social policy

Further information: Community relations,  
go to our Sustainability Report online.

Group approach and policies

Documents 

Related KPIs 

Related principal risks

Oil and gas production carries a high risk of environmental impact and 
incidents related to production processes. 

Our product and the process associated with its production generate carbon 
emissions which contribute to climate change. Tullow is working to reduce 
its impact on the environment through its Net Zero 2030 commitment and 
through its standards and policies.

Climate Policy

Level 0 KPI: Embed Sustainability  

Climate change risk on page 34 

Safe and Sustainable Operations Policy 

EHS or security risk on page 34

across the organisation.

Level 1 KPI: Progress Net Zero plan.

Code of Ethical Conduct 

Non-Technical Risk Standard

Tullow aims to create an inclusive environment, free from discrimination, 
where individual differences and the contributions of all our staff are 
recognised and everybody is treated fairly. We have zero tolerance for any 
form of discrimination and decisions related to recruitment selection, 
development or promotion are based upon aptitude and ability only. 

Code of Ethical Conduct

Level 0 KPI: Leadership effectiveness.

Organisation risk on page 35

Level 2 KPIs: Quarterly employment 

EHS or security risk on page 34

engagement pulse checks; redefine 

commitment to inclusion and diversity; 

develop localisation plans. 

We engage with communities early in the planning process to identify the 
key impacts, both positive and negative, of our operations. We maintain 
ongoing dialogue to provide information about Tullow’s activities and create 
opportunities for people to contribute to decisions which affect them. 
We always listen to feedback and concerns, answer enquiries and register 
grievances made by community members.

Code of Ethical Conduct

Level 1 KPIs: Deliver 2021 social 

Stakeholder risk on page 33

Non-Technical Risk Standard

investment plan and develop long term 

shared prosperity strategy; implement 

revised local content plan.

Respect for human rights

Further information: Our Approach,  
go to our Sustainability Report online.

Tullow respects and promotes internationally recognised human rights as 
set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International 
Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at 
Work. When considering new investments, we review associated potential 
human rights issues and their relationship to our operations.

Anti-corruption and anti-bribery

Further information: Anti-corruption and 
anti-bribery, see page 28.

Tullow has zero tolerance of any form of corruption. We conduct our 
business honestly, fairly and transparently and we do not exercise improper 
influence on any individual or entity. We are subject to many anti-bribery 
laws in the jurisdictions within which we work and, as a UK registered 
company, are required to comply with the UK Bribery Act (2010).

This Strategic Report and the information referred to herein have been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by: 

Human Rights Policy

Level 2 KPI: Code of Ethical Conduct 

Stakeholder risk on page 33

Code of Ethical Conduct

training completed by all staff.

Conduct risk on page 35

Code of Ethical Conduct

Level 2 KPI: Code of Ethical Conduct 

Conduct risk on page 35

training completed by all staff.

Dorothy Thompson 
Chair 

Adam Holland
Company Secretary

9 March 2021 

9 March 2021

38

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
see page 25.

Social policy

Further information: Community relations,  

go to our Sustainability Report online.

Requirement

Environment

Further information: Environment,  

see pages 26 to 27.

Group approach and policies

Documents 

Related KPIs 

Related principal risks

Oil and gas production carries a high risk of environmental impact and 

Climate Policy

incidents related to production processes. 

Our product and the process associated with its production generate carbon 

emissions which contribute to climate change. Tullow is working to reduce 

its impact on the environment through its Net Zero 2030 commitment and 

through its standards and policies.

Safe and Sustainable Operations Policy 

Code of Ethical Conduct 

Non-Technical Risk Standard

Level 0 KPI: Embed Sustainability  
across the organisation.

Level 1 KPI: Progress Net Zero plan.

Climate change risk on page 34 

EHS or security risk on page 34

Employees

Further information: Our People,  

see pages 28 to 29.

Tullow aims to create an inclusive environment, free from discrimination, 

where individual differences and the contributions of all our staff are 

recognised and everybody is treated fairly. We have zero tolerance for any 

form of discrimination and decisions related to recruitment selection, 

Further information: Health and Safety,  

development or promotion are based upon aptitude and ability only. 

Code of Ethical Conduct

Level 0 KPI: Leadership effectiveness.

Organisation risk on page 35

Level 2 KPIs: Quarterly employment 
engagement pulse checks; redefine 
commitment to inclusion and diversity; 
develop localisation plans. 

EHS or security risk on page 34

We engage with communities early in the planning process to identify the 

key impacts, both positive and negative, of our operations. We maintain 

ongoing dialogue to provide information about Tullow’s activities and create 

opportunities for people to contribute to decisions which affect them. 

We always listen to feedback and concerns, answer enquiries and register 

grievances made by community members.

Code of Ethical Conduct

Non-Technical Risk Standard

Level 1 KPIs: Deliver 2021 social 
investment plan and develop long term 
shared prosperity strategy; implement 
revised local content plan.

Stakeholder risk on page 33

Respect for human rights

Further information: Our Approach,  

go to our Sustainability Report online.

Tullow respects and promotes internationally recognised human rights as 

set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International 

Labour Organization’s Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at 

Work. When considering new investments, we review associated potential 

human rights issues and their relationship to our operations.

Human Rights Policy

Code of Ethical Conduct

Level 2 KPI: Code of Ethical Conduct 
training completed by all staff.

Stakeholder risk on page 33

Conduct risk on page 35

Anti-corruption and anti-bribery

Tullow has zero tolerance of any form of corruption. We conduct our 

Code of Ethical Conduct

Level 2 KPI: Code of Ethical Conduct 
training completed by all staff.

Conduct risk on page 35

Further information: Anti-corruption and 

anti-bribery, see page 28.

business honestly, fairly and transparently and we do not exercise improper 

influence on any individual or entity. We are subject to many anti-bribery 

laws in the jurisdictions within which we work and, as a UK registered 

company, are required to comply with the UK Bribery Act (2010).

This Strategic Report and the information referred to herein have been approved by the Board and signed on its behalf by: 

Dorothy Thompson 

Chair 

Adam Holland

Company Secretary

9 March 2021 

9 March 2021

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

39

STRATEGIC REPORT 
Directors’ report

A framework for 
corporate governance

As a UK-listed company Tullow Oil plc’s governance policies 
and procedures are based on the Financial Reporting Council’s 
UK Corporate Governance Code (the Code) and the Financial 
Reporting Council’s Guidance on Board Effectiveness, both of 
which can be found at www.frc.org.uk. This Directors’ Report 
summarises how the Group has complied with the Code 
during the year ended 31 December 2020 and describes 
changes to the governance structure that took place before 
year end. The Code sets out how governance is achieved 
through the application of its five main principles and their 
supporting provisions:

 - Board leadership and Company purpose;

 - division of responsibilities;

 - composition, succession and evaluation;

 - audit, risk and internal control; and

 - remuneration.

Board leadership and Company purpose
The Board is accountable to shareholders and the Group’s 
other stakeholders for the creation and delivery of long term, 
sustainable operational and financial performance for the 
enhancement of shareholder and stakeholder value. The Board 
meets these aims through setting the Group’s objectives, 
Values and strategy and ensuring that the necessary resources 
are available to achieve the agreed strategic priorities. During 
2020 the Group has been focused on cost, restructuring and 
operational turnaround to achieve a more reliable and consistent 
operating performance and a sustainable improvement in 
operating margins. Our purpose is to build a better future 
through responsible oil and gas development.

The Board operates through a governance framework with clear 
procedures, lines of responsibility and delegated authorities 
to ensure that strategy is implemented, and key risks are 
assessed and managed effectively. These are underpinned by 
the Board’s work to set the Group’s core Values, behaviours, 
culture and standards of business conduct and to ensure that 
these are clearly understood by the workforce, shareholders 
and other stakeholders.

The Board also ensures that there is sufficient engagement 
with the Group’s stakeholders such that their views can be 
considered in Board decision making. The Group’s stakeholders 
are divided into the following main groups: our investors, our 
host countries and their communities, our people.

Read more about our stakeholders and the Values in our Sustainability Report

Division of responsibilities
The Chair is responsible for leadership of the Board and 
its overall effectiveness whilst the Chief Executive Officer is 
responsible for the operational management of the business, 
for developing strategy in consultation with the Board and 
for implementation of the strategy with the Executive Team. 
One of the non-executive Directors has been selected by the 
Board to be the Senior Independent Director. The Board is 
fully satisfied that the Senior Independent Director demonstrates 
complete independence and robustness of character in this 
role. The Senior Independent Director is available to meet 
shareholders if they have concerns that cannot be resolved 
through discussion with the Chair or for matters where such 
contact would be inappropriate. In addition, during the year 
the Senior Independent Director meets with the other 
non-executive Directors, without the Chair present, to discuss 
the Chair’s performance. The Chair meets regularly with the 
other non-executive Directors, without executives Directors 
present, to review Board discussions and engagement as well 
as the performance of the Executive Team.

The Chair offers governance meetings with shareholders at 
least once a year to receive their direct feedback. In line with 
the guidance issued by the Institute of Chartered Secretaries 
and Administrators (ICSA), the Board has approved formal 
terms of reference for a Committee of the Executive Directors. 
The separation of responsibilities between the Board and the 
Senior Leadership Team is clearly defined and agreed by the 
Board and is published on the Group’s website.

The Board consists of seven independent non-executive 
Directors and two Executive Directors. The independent 
non-executive Directors consist of an independent non-Chair, 
one Senior Independent Director and five independent 
non-executive Directors. 

40

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

The Board of Directors

Chair, Executive Directors, Senior Independent Director and non-executive Directors
The Board operates under the leadership of the Chair and is collectively responsible for setting the Company’s strategy to deliver 
long term value to shareholders and other stakeholders. The Board ensures the appropriate resources, leadership and effective 
controls are in place to deliver the strategy. The Board also sets out the Company’s culture and Values, monitors business 
performance, oversees risk management and determines the Company’s risk appetite. The Board delegates some of its 
responsibilities to the Board sub-committees. The Board is accountable for the stewardship of the Company’s business to the 
shareholders and other stakeholders.

Audit  
Committee
Responsible for financial 
reporting, audit, internal 
control and risk 
management processes.

Nominations 
Committee
Responsible for Board 
composition, appointment 
of Directors and 
succession planning.

Safety and 
Sustainability 
Committee
Responsible for health, 
safety, environment, 
climate change, shared 
prosperity, security and 
business sustainability.

Remuneration 
Committee
Responsible for reward 
and compensation for 
Executive Directors, the 
Chair and Senior 
Managers and reviewing 
the remuneration 
arrangements of the 
workforce.

pages 49 to 53

pages 54 to 55

page 56

pages 57 to 73

Senior Leadership Team¹

Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and three Group Directors
The Senior Leadership Team operates under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer and is responsible for the delivery 
and execution of the Board’s strategy as well as the day-to-day management of the Company’s business including 
operational performance. The Senior Leadership Team is accountable to the Board.

1. Governance framework in place as of July 2020.

The Executive Directors consist of the Chief Executive Officer 
and the Chief Financial Officer.

From the period 9 December 2019 to 9 September 2020, 
Dorothy Thompson performed the role of Executive Chair on 
an interim basis. Rahul Dhir was appointed as Chief Executive 
Officer on 1 July 2020. Following the appointment of the new 
CEO, the Board undertook a review of the schedule of matters 
reserved for the Board and also the division of responsibilities 
between the Chair of the Board, the Chief Executive and the 
Senior Independent Director, and all of these are available on 
our website. 

Notwithstanding Dorothy Thompson’s role as Executive Chair 
on an interim basis, the Board has reviewed the criteria set 
out in the Corporate Governance Code and the FRC’s 
Guidance on Board Effectiveness and considers each of the 
non-executive Directors to be independent in character and 
judgement with no conflicts of interest. In addition, the Board 

is satisfied that all non-executive Directors have disclosed 
their other significant commitments and confirmed that they 
have sufficient time to discharge their duties effectively. The 
Board is also of the view that no one individual or group of 
individuals dominates decision making.

As part of the governance framework, the Board has delegated 
some of its responsibilities to four Committees: the Audit 
Committee, the Nominations Committee, the Safety and 
Sustainability Committee and the Remuneration Committee. 
The Board is satisfied that the Committees have sufficient time 
and resources to carry out their duties effectively. Their terms 
of reference are reviewed and approved annually by the Board 
and the respective Committee Chairs report on their activities 
to the Board. The individual Committee terms of reference can 
be found on the Group’s website. Director attendance at Board 
and Committee meetings is summarised in the table overleaf.

Committee Reports on pages 49 to 73

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

41

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEDirectors’ report continued

Board and Board Committee attendance 2020

Director

Rahul Dhir2

Mitchell Ingram2,4

Les Wood

Dorothy Thompson

Jeremy Wilson

Steve Lucas1

Mike Daly

Sheila Khama

Genevieve Sangudi

Martin Greenslade

Board (12)

Audit
Committee (6)

Nominations
Committee (3)

Safety and 
Sustainability
Committee (4)

Remuneration
Committee (4)

7

3

12

12

12

3

12

12

12

12

6

2 3

6

6

3

3

1 3

3

2

4

4

4

1

4

4

4

1.  Denotes Director(s) who were no longer Directors of the Company as at 31 December 2020.

2.  Denotes Director(s) who joined the Company part way through the year.

3.  Denotes Director(s) who ceased to be a Committee member part way through the year.

4.  Mitchell Ingram joined the Safety & Sustainability Committee and the Remuneration Committee part way through the year. 

The Board is supported and advised by the Company Secretary 
who ensures that it has the policies, processes, information, 
time and resources it needs for it to function effectively and 
efficiently. The Company Secretary is also responsible for 
ensuring compliance with all Board procedures and for 
providing advice to Directors when required. The Company 
Secretary acts as secretary to the Audit, Nominations, Safety 
and Sustainability and Remuneration Committees and has 
direct access to the Chairs of these Committees. 

The Board typically meets seven times a year. One of those 
meetings is devoted to an extensive review of the long term 
strategy of the business and another is usually held at an 
overseas office of the Group to provide the Board with deeper 
insights into the Company’s operations and an opportunity to 
engage with stakeholders. In response to the challenges faced 
by the Company during 2020, as well as the asset disposals 
implemented by the Group, the Board and certain of its 
Committees met more frequently than usual and also held a 
number of calls between meetings. Due to the restrictions 
imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of these 
meetings were held via video-conference. Unfortunately the 
Board was unable to travel as a group to an overseas office. 
However, the Chair and later the Chief Executive were able to 
visit certain overseas offices, including Ghana, and engage 
with a variety of stakeholders. 

The focus of the Board’s meetings during the first half of the 
year was on operational performance, the re-organisation of 
the Group and the reduction in costs. The second half of the 
year focused on capital allocation, a revision of the long term 
Business Plan, the Company’s long and short term financing 
strategy, stakeholder engagement, the energy transition and 
sustainability. Later in the year, the Board focused on culture, 
Values and employee proposition. At various meetings during 
the year, the Board also reviewed the key risks facing the 
Company and discussed the Group’s appetite for those risks. 

Composition, succession and evaluation
To ensure that serving Executive Directors and Senior Managers 
of the Company continue to possess the necessary skills and 
experience required for the strategy of the business, the 
Board has established a Nominations Committee to oversee 
the process of appointments and succession planning for 
Directors and other Senior Managers. The role of the 
Nominations Committee is critical in ensuring that the 
Group’s Board and Committee composition and balance 
support both the Group’s business ambitions and best 
practice in the area of corporate governance.

During 2020, there were a number of Board changes. In April, 
after eight years on the Board, Steve Lucas stepped down as 
a non-executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee, 
whereupon Martin Greenslade, who was appointed to the 
Board in November 2019, was appointed Chair of the Audit 
Committee. Martin is a serving Executive Director at Land 
Securities Group plc and brings extensive financial experience 
to the Committee. In April 2020, we announced that Rahul Dhir 
would be appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer and, 
after several months of prior induction, he joined the Board in 
July. Rahul brings extensive leadership experience in oil and 
gas and finance to Tullow. In September, Mitchell Ingram was 
appointed as an independent non-executive Director of Tullow. 
Mitchell is a highly experienced oil and gas executive who has 
had a distinguished career with senior positions at Occidental 
Petroleum, BG Group and, most recently, Anadarko, where he 
was a member of the Group’s Executive Committee. Mitchell is 
Chair of the Safety & Sustainability Committee and a member of 
the Remuneration Committee. Further detail on the appointment 
process for these Directors can be found in the Nominations 
Committee Report on pages 54 to 55 

42

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Upon joining the Board, the Directors received induction 
programmes which were specifically designed to complement 
their background, experience and knowledge with a more 
detailed understanding of the upstream industry and other 
matters regularly discussed by the Board. The programmes 
included one-to-one meetings with senior management, 
functional leaders and visits to the Group’s principal offices 
and operations. The Directors also received an overview of their 
duties, corporate governance policies and Board processes. 

Directors are initially appointed for a term of three years. 
All of the Directors will seek re-election at the next Annual 
General Meeting. The Board will set out in the Notice of 
Annual General Meeting its reasons for supporting the 
re-election or election of each of the Directors.

As part of the ongoing evaluation of the Board’s effectiveness, 
and following the externally facilitated evaluation of the Board 
in 2019, the Board carried out an internal evaluation of its 
performance and that of its Committees in 2020. This was 
facilitated by the Company Secretary with input from the Chair 
of the Board, the Senior Independent Director and the Chair of 
the Committees. The review required each of the Directors to 
submit responses to a series of questionnaires to reflect their 
individual performance, the performance of the Board as a 
whole and the main areas under consideration by the Board 
and its Committees. Contributors to Board and Committee 
meetings and the wider group of direct reports to Senior 
Managers were also provided with the opportunity to provide 
their feedback to be incorporated into the evaluation. All 
responses were compiled and discussed at the Board and 
relevant Committee meetings. 

The evaluation reported a number of positive observations 
including that the Board is willing to address challenging 
issues with decisiveness, and a number of examples were 
cited such as the rationalisation of the business in 2020 and 
the sale of the Uganda assets. The review found again that the 
Board conducts its business in an environment where freedom 
of expression, diversity of opinions and challenge are both 
encouraged and accepted. The Board recognised it has 
progressed issues that were raised in the 2019 evaluation, 
for example, an appropriate organisational structure and an 
improvement in the accountability of performance management. 
The review also found that the Board had some areas in which 
to progress further development. Actions have already been 
created for key areas and incorporated into planning for 2021. 
These include a strategy for improved engagements with specific 
stakeholders, the further development of the long term 
strategy of the business and its associated risks, more regular 
assurance of sub-surface asset integrity, and more engagement 
with the second tier of management. 

Board time* (%)

Principal risks and 

governance 10%

Culture and 
people 10%

Safety and 
sustainability 
(including 
stakeholder 
engagement) 10%

Capital structure and 
capital allocation  
15%

O Strategy 30%
30+

portfolio management 

Business operations, 

restructuring and 

*  Percentages are approximate.

25%

Nominations Committee Report on pages 54 and 55

Shareholder Engagement
At the AGM on 23 April 2020, a significant number (33 per cent) 
of votes were cast against Resolution 13. The Resolution 
sought the authority for Directors to make allotments of 
shares in accordance with routine practice in the UK and 
complied with the guidance published by the Investment 
Association and the Pre-Emption Group. Being an Ordinary 
Resolution, it was passed but the vote against was a clear 
statement from a few of our shareholders. Following the 
AGM, our Chair of the Board has engaged with our major 
shareholders who voted against the resolution and now 
has an understanding of the concerns raised by them. 
The concerns relate to the potential dilution of their existing 
shareholdings and the Board has noted these concerns.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

43

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE+
25
+
+
15
+
+
10
+
+
10
+
+
10
+
+
+
+
Directors’ report continued

Audit, risk and internal control
The Board has delegated responsibility to the Audit 
Committee to satisfy itself on the integrity of the Financial 
Statements and announcements on financial performance, 
overseeing the relationship with the external auditor and 
reviewing significant financial reporting and accounting 
policy issues. 

technical concerns raised through the Company’s confidential 
speaking-up service, Safe Call, and has also recently been 
appointed as a member of the Audit Committee. The Company’s 
external independent reserves auditor meets with the Audit 
Committee at least once a year to provide the Committee with 
an opportunity to ask questions and provide challenge to 
Senior Management’s assumptions. 

The Audit Committee has also assumed responsibility for 
overseeing the Group’s internal audit programme and the 
process of identifying principal and emerging risks and 
ensuring that they are managed effectively. As part of that 
process, the Company’s internal financial controls and internal 
control and risk management systems are assessed annually. 

The Directors acknowledge their responsibility for the Group’s 
systems of internal control which are designed to safeguard 
the assets of the Group and to ensure the reliability of 
financial information for both internal use and external 
publication and to comply with the requirements of the Code. 
Overall control is ensured by a regular detailed reporting 
system covering both operational and commercial 
performance and the state of the Group’s financial affairs. 

The Board has procedures for identifying, evaluating and 
managing principal risks that impact the Group and these 
are regularly reviewed. Tullow recognises that any systems 
of risk management and internal control can only provide 
reasonable, and not absolute, assurance that material 
financial irregularities will be detected or that the risk of 
failure to achieve business objectives is eliminated. However, 
the Board does seek to ensure that Tullow has appropriate 
systems in place for the identification and management 
of key risks, including emerging risks. In accordance with 
the requirements of the Code, the Board has established 
procedures to manage risk, oversee the internal control 
framework and determine the nature and extent of the 
principal risks the Company is willing to take in order to 
achieve its long term strategic objectives. 

Safety and Sustainability Committee
The Board has delegated to this Committee the responsibility 
and oversight of the Company’s occupational and process 
safety, people and asset security, health and environmental 
stewardship. The Committee monitors performance and key 
risks associated with these areas. The Committee also 
provides oversight of the implementation of the Company’s 
strategic priorities with respect to sustainability, namely: 
a Net Zero delivery plan, shared prosperity, responsible 
operations, environmental stewardship, and equality and 
transparency. The Committee has been strengthened by the 
recent appointment of Mitchell Ingram, who is an engineer 
and a highly experienced oil and gas executive. Mitchell was 
appointed Chair of the Committee in January 2021.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee retains responsibility for oversight of the 
external audit of reserves and resources. Board governance 
was strengthened by the nomination of a non-executive 
Director with appropriate technical expertise who has 
responsibility for engagement with the Chief Petroleum 
Engineer on all matters relating to reserves and resources. 
The same non-executive Director is available to assist with 

44

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Audit Committee Report pages 49 to 53

Remuneration Committee
The policies and practices for determining the remuneration 
of the Executive Directors and the Senior Managers have been 
delegated to the Remuneration Committee. The principal role 
of the Remuneration Committee is to develop and maintain 
a Remuneration Policy that ensures Executive Directors and 
Senior Managers are rewarded in a manner that closely aligns 
with the successful delivery of the Company’s long term 
purpose and strategy as well as those of the shareholders 
and other stakeholders, including the workforce. 

Remuneration Committee Report pages 57 to 73

Board oversight of climate change and disclosures in 
alignment with TCFD
Tullow has recognised that climate change and the 
decarbonisation of the global economy represent 
fundamental strategic risks to its business. Climate-
related risks have, accordingly, been designated as an 
enterprise level risk (and a distinct principal risk category) 
with the Board as a whole assuming direct responsibility 
for overseeing the identification and assessment of, and 
response to, these risks. Directors have responsibility for 
ensuring they remain sufficiently informed of climate-
related risks to Tullow and the broader energy sector 
in order to be able to meet their fiduciary duties under 
the UK Companies Act 2006.

The Board will take particular account of the financial 
impact on Tullow’s existing portfolio stemming from the 
risks of lower oil demand, lower oil prices and potential 
carbon taxes associated with scenarios aligned with the 
goals of the Paris Agreement. The Board will also use 
these scenarios to evaluate the commercial viability of 
new development projects and exploration campaigns.

The Board will monitor indications of any changes in 
Tullow’s access to and cost of capital and debt, particularly 
stemming from shifts in investor sentiment towards the oil 
and gas sector related to climate change. The Board will 
agree Tullow’s carbon management and performance, 
including targets for emissions reductions, as part of 
Tullow’s commitment to becoming a Net Zero company by 
2030 (Scope 1 & 2 emissions). In addition, the Board will 
receive updates relating to host governments’ energy 
transition and climate resilience plans as well as requests 
for support for private sector initiatives in those countries.

Safety and Sustainability Committee Report page 56

Compliance
The Board is satisfied that the Group has complied in full with 
the Code during the year ended 31 December 2020, with the 
following exceptions:

i.   The Directors’ Remuneration Policy, approved by shareholders 
in 2020, provides that Executive Director pension contributions 
for new Executive Directors are aligned (as a percentage of 
salary) with those available to the workforce. However, it 
provides that pension contributions for existing Executive 
Directors will be frozen at the 2019 cash amount and adjusted 
downwards so they are aligned (as a percentage of salary) 
with those available to the workforce by 1 January 2023. 
This does not comply with Provision 38 of the Code which 
requires these contributions to be aligned with those 
available to the workforce; however, this is reflective of 
Provision 143 of the FRC’s Guidance on Board Effectiveness, 
which acknowledges that it may not be practical to alter 
existing contractual arrangements. The Board confirms 
that the pension contributions for the recently appointed 
Chief Executive Officer’s are aligned (as a percentage of 
salary) with those available to the workforce.

ii.   In contravention to Provision 9 of the Code, the roles of 
Chair and the Chief Executive Officer were temporarily 
performed by Dorothy Thompson on an interim basis while 
the search for a new Chief Executive Officer was conducted. 
The appointment of Rahul Dhir as the new Chief Executive 
Officer was announced in April 2020 and took effect on 
1 July 2020.

Dorothy Thompson
Chair

9 March 2021

The main Tullow Board is supported by its four Committees 
– Audit, Nominations, Safety and Sustainability and 
Remuneration – to ensure governance related to climate 
change is implemented through the Company’s existing 
governance structure. 

Audit Committee
The Committee oversees the process of evaluating the financial 
impact of scenario analysis on our portfolio and ensure it is 
appropriately and transparently reflected in our financial 
disclosures including valuation of reserves. 

Nominations Committee
The Committee ensures the Board and Senior Leadership 
Team have access to the relevant skills and capabilities to 
assess, address and report on exposure to climate change 
and the low carbon transition. 

Safety and Sustainability Committee
The Committee has full oversight of Tullow’s operational 
performance on carbon emissions management and how 
that performance translates into sustainability benchmarks 
and ratings scores, recognising the growing importance of 
these tools in investor decision making. In addition, the 
Safety and Sustainability Committee has broader oversight 
of Tullow’s sustainability disclosure, ensuring it is 
balanced, complete and accurate. 

The Director of People and Sustainability, Julia Ross, is 
designated as the owner of climate-related risk. She is 
ultimately responsible for determining Tullow’s strategic 
response to climate change and the energy transition, for 
identifying, assessing and managing climate-related risks 
and opportunities and for monitoring the progress of 
mitigation actions. She is supported in this by the other 
members of the Senior Leadership Team. 

The Senior Leadership Team is responsible for reviewing 
the commercial resilience of Tullow’s portfolio against the 
assumptions of the IEA, or other challenging scenarios, at 
least annually and evaluating the risks to the commercial 
viability of new development projects and exploration 
campaigns. The Senior Leadership Team will also set and 
monitor targets established to improve climate performance 
and periodically review Tullow’s mitigation of climate risks.

Climate change risks, opportunities and scenario 
assumptions (including oil demand, oil price, and carbon 
taxes) are considered and integrated into all stages of the 
business cycle and into financial accounting processes. 

Each part of the business will evaluate climate-related 
risks and opportunities within their areas of responsibility, 
bearing in mind the cross-cutting nature of climate change 
risk which may affect other principal risk categories including 
strategy risk, stakeholder risk, EHS risk, financial risk, 
organisation risk and conduct risk. 

Remuneration Committee
The Board approved the inclusion of a KPI in the 2021 
scorecard which aligns executive pay and employees’ 
performance-related pay. The KPI is to embed 
sustainability across the organisation, including to 
progress the Net Zero Plan.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

45

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEBoard of Directors

N

S

Dorothy Thompson
Chair
Age: 60

Tenure: 2 years
Appointment: 2018
Independent: Yes

Key strengths
Executive leadership, public company 
governance and leadership, investor 
relations, corporate finance, 
accounting and audit, business 
development, risk management, 
technology and innovation.

Experience
Dorothy brings extensive leadership 
and governance experience to Tullow 
developed over a 35-year career in 
business. Dorothy spent 12 years, until 
the end of 2017, as chief executive 
officer for Drax Group plc, the 
international power and energy 
trading company. Before joining Drax, 
Dorothy worked for InterGen Services 
Inc, and PowerGen plc. She started 
her career in development banking 
with the Commonwealth Development 
Corporation and the National 
Development Bank of Botswana, roles 
in which Dorothy gained significant 
experience in emerging markets in 
Africa. In addition, Dorothy spent nine 
years as a non-executive director of 
Johnson Matthey plc. Dorothy holds 
BSc (Hons) and MSc degrees 
in Economics from the London School 
of Economics and Political Science 
and was appointed a Commander 
of the Order of the British Empire 
in 2013.

Current external roles
Dorothy is currently a non-executive 
director of Eaton Corporation plc, an 
international power management 
company, where she chairs the 
governance committee and serves 
on the audit committee. In addition, 
Dorothy is a director of the Court 
of the Bank of England, where she 
chairs the audit and risk committee, 
is the senior independent director 
and is a member of the nominations 
committee and the real time gross 
settlement renewal committee.

BP plc. Les held a number of senior 
roles at BP plc including chief 
financial officer for BP plc Canada 
and BP plc Middle East as well as 
global head of business development. 
Les holds a BSc (Hons) in Chemistry 
from Herriot Watt University, 
Edinburgh, and an MSc in Inorganic 
Chemistry from Aberdeen University.

Current external roles
None.

A

Martin Greenslade
Non-executive Director
Age: 55

A

N

S

Tenure: 2 years
Appointment: 2019
Independent: Yes

Mike Daly
Non-executive Director
Age: 67

Tenure: 6 years
Appointment: 2014
Independent: Yes

Key strengths
Upstream business, exploration 
and appraisal executive leadership, 
business development, executive and 
public company leadership, technology 
and innovation, environment, health, 
safety and sustainability.

Experience
Mike brings significant upstream 
experience to Tullow from a 40-year 
career in the oil and gas business. Mike 
spent 28 years at BP plc where he 
held a number of senior executive and 
functional roles within the exploration 
and production division across Europe, 
South America, the Middle East and 
Asia, including eight years as head of 
exploration and new business 
development. He also served on BP’s 
executive team as executive vice 
president exploration, accountable for 
the leadership of BP’s exploration 
business. Mike was a member of the 
World Economic Forum’s Global Agenda 
Council on the Arctic and has served 
on the advisory board of the British 
Geological Survey. He is a visiting 
professor at the Department of Earth 
Sciences, Oxford University. He holds 
a BSc in Geology from the University 
College of Wales and a PhD in Geology 
from Leeds University. Mike is also a 
graduate of the Program for 
Management Development, Harvard 
Business School, and in 2014 was 
awarded The Geological Society of 
London’s Petroleum Group Medal.

Current external roles
Non-executive director of Compagnie 
Générale de Géophysique, a global 
provider of geoscience and geophysical 
services to the oil and gas industry, 
where he is chair of the health, safety, 
environment and sustainable 
development committee. President 
of the Geological Society of London, 
a registered UK charity.

Key strengths
Corporate finance, accounting and 
audit, risk management and executive 
and public company leadership.

Experience
Martin, a chartered accountant, 
brings extensive corporate financial 
experience to Tullow from a 32-year 
career in the property, engineering 
and financial sectors in the UK 
and across Africa, Scandinavia and 
Europe. Since 2005 Martin has 
been chief financial officer at Land 
Securities Group plc, a listed UK real 
estate company. Previously, he spent 
five years as group finance director of 
Alvis plc, an international defence 
and engineering company. Martin 
holds an MA in Computer and 
Natural Sciences from Cambridge 
University and is also a graduate of 
the Stanford Executive Program, 
Stanford University, California. 

Current external roles
Martin is currently chief financial 
officer and board member at Land 
Securities Group plc. Martin is also a 
board trustee of the International 
Justice Mission, a human rights 
charity focused on protecting the 
poor from violence and ending 
human slavery.

S

Sheila Khama
Non-executive Director
Age: 63
Tenure: 2 years
Appointment: 2019
Independent: Yes

Key strengths
Extractives project and policy 
reform, executive leadership, 
corporate governance, business 
development, public–private 
partnership and sustainability.

Experience
Sheila brings to Tullow a wealth of 
executive experience in the banking 
and natural resources sectors across 
Africa. Sheila served as the chief 

Rahul Dhir 
Chief Executive Officer
Age: 55

Tenure: <1 year
Appointment: April 2020
Independent: No

Key strengths
Upstream business, exploration, 
development and operations, executive 
leadership, capital markets, M&A, 
environment, health, safety and 
sustainability.

Experience
Rahul brings substantial leadership 
experience in the oil and gas industry 
to Tullow, having founded Delonex 
Energy, an Africa-focused oil and gas 
company in 2013. Prior to establishing 
Delonex, Rahul spent six years at 
Cairn India as chief executive officer 
and managing director. Under his 
leadership Cairn India successfully 
completed a $2 billion IPO and grew to 
a market value of nearly $13 billion 
with operated production of over 
200,000 barrels of oil equivalent per 
day. Rahul started his career as a 
Petroleum Engineer, before moving 
into investment banking where he led 
teams at Morgan Stanley and Merrill 
Lynch, advising major oil & gas 
companies on merger and acquisition 
and capital market related issues.

Current external roles
Member of the International Board 
of Advisors at the University of Texas 
at Austin.

Les Wood 
Chief Financial Officer
Age: 58

Tenure: 3 years
Appointment: 2017
Independent: No

Key strengths
Upstream business, corporate 
finance, accounting and audit, 
business development, risk 
management, executive leadership, 
investor and government relations.

Experience
Les brings considerable financial 
and commercial expertise to Tullow, 
including major mergers and 
acquisitions delivery, joining in 2014 
as Vice President Commercial and 
Finance after a 28-year career at 

46

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

number of technical and operational 
roles in the UK North Sea, Qatar and 
Libya. Mitchell holds a BSc in 
Engineering Technology from Robert 
Gordon University in Aberdeen.

Current external roles
None.

A

R

Genevieve Sangudi 
Non-executive Director
Age: 44

Tenure: 2 years
Appointment: 2019
Independent: Yes

Key strengths
Corporate finance, accounting and 
audit, business development, risk 
management, executive leadership 
and investor relations.

Experience
Genevieve brings considerable 
marketing, investment and fund 
management experience to Tullow 
from a 22-year career in the financial 
sector in the US and across Africa. 
Genevieve began her career in 
business development as a marketing 
executive at Proctor & Gamble, Boston, 
before joining Emerging Capital 
Partners, a pan-African private equity 
firm, as a partner and managing 
director. At Emerging Capital Partners 
Genevieve served on the boards of 
portfolio companies working closely 
with the executive teams and set up 
the company’s operations in Nigeria. 
Since 2011, Genevieve has been 
managing director, Sub-Saharan 
Africa, for the American private 
equity company Carlyle Group, based 
in Johannesburg, South Africa, 
leading on a number of significant 
transactions in Gabon, Tanzania, 
Nigeria and Uganda. Genevieve holds 
a BA from Macalester College, St 
Paul, Minnesota, an MA in 
International Affairs from Columbia 
University, New York, and an MBA 
from the Columbia Business School, 
Columbia University. 

Current external roles
Genevieve is currently managing 
director, Sub-Saharan Africa, for the 
American private equity company 
Carlyle Group.

executive officer of De Beers Botswana 
from 2005 to 2010, after which she 
served as a director of the extractives 
advisory programme at the African 
Centre for Economic Transformation. 
In 2013, Sheila took up a position as 
director of the Natural Resources 
Centre at the African Development 
Bank, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. Sheila 
subsequently became a policy adviser 
at the World Bank in Washington 
in 2016. In both roles she advised 
host governments on sustainable 
development policies for natural 
resources. During this time she also 
represented the African Development 
Bank as an observer on the 
international board of directors of the 
Extractive Industries Transparency 
Initiative. Sheila holds a BA from the 
University of Botswana and an MBA 
from the Edinburgh University 
Business School.

Current external roles
Sheila is currently a member of the 
Advisory Panel of LafargeHolcim, 
the United Nations Sustainable 
Development Solutions Network, 
the Advisory Board of the Centre for 
Sustainable Development Investment, 
Columbia University, and the audit 
committee of the United Nations 
Office of Operations, as well as a 
non-executive director of the 
Development Partner Institute.

R

S

Mitchell Ingram
Non-executive Director
Age: 58

Tenure: <1 year
Appointment: 2020
Independent: Yes

Key strengths
Upstream business, corporate 
finance, accounting and audit, 
business development, risk 
management, executive leadership, 
investor and government relations.

Experience
Mitchell brings a wealth of oil and 
gas executive experience to Tullow, 
having established a distinguished 
career spanning over 28 years of 
experience in the oil and natural 
gas industry. Mitchell joined 
Anadarko in 2015 and became 
executive vice-president of 
International, Deep Water, and 
Exploration in 2018. Prior to this, he 
served as development director and 
then asset general manager for the 
Karachaganack field in Kazakhstan 
at BG Group, following his time as 
managing director of QGC Australia. 
Mitchell began his career at 
Occidental and spent 22 years in a 

A

N

R

Board composition statistics

Tenure

Jeremy Wilson
Senior Independent 
Director
Age: 56

Tenure: 7 years
Appointment: 2013
Independent: Yes

Key strengths
Corporate finance, accounting and 
audit, business development, risk 
management, executive leadership, 
public company governance and 
leadership and investor relations.

Experience
Jeremy brings extensive strategic 
and corporate finance experience 
to Tullow developed over a 30-year 
business career. Most recently Jeremy 
spent 26 years at the investment 
bank JP Morgan where he held a 
number of senior executive roles 
including head of European mergers 
and acquisitions, co-head of global 
natural resources and diversified 
industrials and latterly vice chair of the 
bank’s energy group. Up until mid-2020 
Jeremy was a non-executive director 
of John Wood Group plc, an 
international engineering company 
providing project and technical 
services to the energy industry, where 
he served as a senior independent 
director on the audit and nominations 
committees and chair of the 
remuneration committee. Jeremy 
holds an MSc in Engineering from 
Cambridge University. 

Current external roles
Jeremy is founder, owner and chair 
of the Lakeland Climbing Centre.

Age

Nationality

 0–5 Years 
 6–10 Years 

3 Years 
average  
tenure

 40–50 Years 
 51–60 Years 
 61–70 Years 

57.3 Years 
average  
age

7878+
1111+
7878+
6666+
6767+

 Independent 
 Non-independent 

 British 
 Motswana 
 Tanzanian 

71.4% 
independent

Independence

33.3% 
female 

 Male 
 Female 

Gender

7
2

1
6
2

7
1
1

6
3

7
2

Committee membership key

 Committee Chair

A  Audit Committee

N  Nominations Committee

R  Remuneration Committee

S  Safety and Sustainability Committee

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

47

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE+
22
22
+
+
O
O
+
67
67
+
+
22
22
+
+
O
O
+
34
34
+
+
O
O
+
11
11
+
11
11
+
+
O
O
+
33
33
+
+
O
O
Stakeholder engagement

Engaging with 
our stakeholders

COVID-19 posed significant challenges in the Board’s ability to build on its relationships with all of Tullow’s key stakeholder 
groups during 2020. Nevertheless, the Board sought out opportunities to engage virtually with our key stakeholders which 
include investors and creditors, host countries and Tullow staff. Engagements were undertaken by the Chair, individual Directors 
and non-executive Directors and feedback from these engagements is considered during Board discussions and decision making.

Our key stakeholders

How the Board engaged

Our investors

S

R

VEST O
R IN

U
O

OUR H

O

S

T

C

O

U

N

T

R

I

E
S

OUR PEO P L E

Our host countries

S

R

VEST O
R IN

U
O

OUR H

O

S

T

C

O

U

N

T

R

I

E
S

OUR PEO P L E

Our people

S

R

VEST O
R IN

U
O

OUR H

O

S

T

C

O

U

N

T

R

I

E
S

OUR PEO P L E

 - The CEO and CFO hosted a Capital Markets 
Day event in November for shareholders.

 - The CFO has hosted regular meetings with 
lending banks as part of our six-monthly 
redetermination, and with banks and 
bondholders as part of our refinancing 
discussions.

 - The Chair hosted a virtual Annual General 
Meeting which was also attended by the 
Directors. At that meeting, we received 
a significant number of votes against 
a particular resolution (resolution 13) 
and so the Chair and CFO engaged with 
shareholders with major shareholders 
and their views have been taken into 
consideration.

 - The CEO after joining the business in July 
met in person with HE the President of 
Ghana, the Minister of Energy and the 
Minister of Finance in September.

 - Additionally, the CEO met virtually with 
many of our key stakeholders across 
Kenya, Gabon, Côte d’Ivoire, Suriname 
and Equatorial Guinea.

 - The CEO reached out and met virtually 
with certain individuals who, due to the 
pandemic, were severely delayed in being 
reunited with their families.

 - Early in 2020, the Chair and Senior 
Independent Director met with 
shareholders to discuss governance issues 
including the new Directors’ Remuneration 
Policy and the search for a new CEO. As a 
result, the feedback received was 
incorporated into the Policy which was 
approved by shareholders at the AGM, and 
the feedback on succession helped shape 
our CEO search.

 - Throughout the year, the Chair, and later 
the new CEO, met virtually with major 
investors to discuss business performance, 
deleveraging and refinancing after the 
Full Year Results and Half Year Results 
market updates.

 - The Senior Independent Director met 
with major shareholders to discuss 
governance issues.

 - The Chair met virtually with HE the 

President of Ghana, ambassadors and 
key officials of certain host countries.

 - The Chair and CEO engaged with HE the 
President of Uganda in the lead up to and 
post the completion of the 
Uganda transaction.

 - The Chair and non-executive Directors met 
with members of the Tullow Advisory Panel 
during the course of the year, taking on 
valuable feedback as the Company went 
through a significant restructuring and 
the feedback received help shape the 
assistance provided and communications 
on the matter.

 - The CEO hosted regular virtual town 
hall events which included open Q&A 
throughout the year, as well as small 
group discussions, and took feedback 
via an anonymous survey.

48

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
 
 
Audit Committee report

Dear shareholder
I am pleased to present my first report to you as Chair of the 
Audit Committee. Steve Lucas, the previous Chair, stepped 
down from the Board and the Audit Committee at the 2020 
AGM after eight years and I would like to thank him for the 
perspectives and challenge which he provided. Most recently, 
Mike Daly has been re-appointed to the Committee to provide 
valuable oil and gas experience.

The Audit Committee continues to focus on ensuring that 
Tullow has a strong system of financial and non-financial 
controls, risk management and internal audit. In particular, 
the Audit Committee’s activities in 2020 included oversight of 
Tullow’s financial reports, disclosures in key transactional 
documents, as well as assessing the effectiveness of the 
Company’s risk management and internal control processes. 
In this report, I also outline key areas of financial judgement 
and estimation, which were considered in Tullow’s accounts 
and the action taken by the Committee to ensure they fairly 
reflect Tullow’s financial position.

2020 was a year of significant change and challenges for Tullow. 
An organisational restructuring programme was undertaken, 
first under Dorothy Thompson as Executive Chair and then 
under Rahul Dhir, who joined as CEO in July 2020. The focus 
of the Audit Committee has reflected this with a strong emphasis 
on controls, the carrying value of assets and the going concern 
assessment. The Committee has also reviewed management’s 
implementation of the outsourcing of key finance and supply 
chain processes to Accenture in Bangalore, which was part of 
the organisational restructuring. The Committee’s focus was 
on the maintenance and enhancement of the Group’s control 
environment during this transition.

We have monitored the completion of the transition to Ernst & 
Young LLP as the Company’s statutory external auditor for 2020, 
following shareholder approval of its appointment at the 2020 
AGM. The Committee has been encouraged by the additional 
focus and insight provided by the new auditor, especially in the 
areas of significant judgements and their use of data analytics.

The Audit Committee conducted an external review of the 
Company’s Internal Audit function and its operating model, 
and oversaw the appointment of a new Head of Internal Audit 
and Risk. This was particularly important due to the significant 
changes that occurred within the organisational structure of 
the business during 2020. 

Based on the results of the annual effectiveness review of 
risk management and internal control systems, the Audit 
Committee concluded that the system of internal controls 
operated effectively throughout the financial year and up to 
the date on which the Financial Statements were signed. 
There were areas identified for improvement and the Audit 
Committee is confident that they are in the process of 
being addressed.

During 2020, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) reviewed 
Tullow’s Annual Report and Accounts for 2019. We are pleased 
with the outcome of the review as no material findings were 
reported by the FRC. It did, however, request additional 
information and suggest some improvements around the 
Company’s disclosures on certain areas of judgement and 
uncertainty, which have been addressed in our 2020 Annual 
Report and Accounts.1

Before advising the Board on the approval of the 2020 Annual 
Report and Accounts, the Committee asked the Senior 
Leadership Team to demonstrate to the Committee its 
processes and procedures for ensuring that the report 
contains the relevant information necessary for shareholders 
to assess Tullow’s position, performance, business model 
and strategy and that it is fair, balanced and understandable. 

Martin Greenslade
Chair of the Audit Committee

9 March 2021

1.  We have been requested by the FRC to include their following statement regarding inherent limitations of its review: “Our review is based on your Annual Report 
and Accounts and does not benefit from detailed knowledge of your business or an understanding of the underlying transactions entered into. It is, however, 
conducted by staff of the FRC who have an understanding of the relevant legal and accounting framework. FRC supports continuous improvement in the quality 
of corporate reporting and recognises that those with more detailed knowledge of your business, including your Audit Committee and auditor, may have 
recommendations for future improvement, consideration of which we would encourage. Our letters provide no assurance that your Annual Report and Accounts 
is correct in all material respects; the FRC’s role is not to verify the information provided but to consider compliance with reporting requirements. Our letters are 
written on the basis that the FRC (which includes FRC’s officers, employees and agents) accepts no liability for reliance on them by the Company or any third 
party, including but not limited to investors or shareholders.”

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

49

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEAudit Committee report continued

Governance
Martin Greenslade was appointed Audit Committee Chair in 
April 2020 following the AGM. Martin is a chartered accountant. 
He has been chief financial officer at Land Securities Group plc 
since 2005 thus meeting the requirement of the UK Corporate 
Governance Code for the Audit Committee to have at least one 
member who has recent and relevant financial experience. 
The other members of the Audit Committee are Mike Daly, 
Genevieve Sangudi and Jeremy Wilson. Together, the members 
of the Committee demonstrate competence in the oil and gas 
industry, with Mike Daly having significant prior experience in 
oil and gas companies, while other Committee members also 
bring a wider range of industry, commercial and financial 
experience, which is vital in supporting effective governance. 
The Company Secretary serves as the secretary to the Committee.

The Chief Financial Officer, the Group General Counsel, the 
Group Financial Controller, the Head of Internal Audit and 
Risk and representatives of the external auditor are invited to 
attend each meeting of the Committee and participated in all 
of the meetings during 2020. The Chair of the Board and the 
CEO also attend meetings of the Committee by invitation and 
were present at most of the meetings in 2020. The external 
auditor and the Head of Internal Audit and Risk have 
unrestricted access to the Committee Chair.

In 2020, the Audit Committee met on six occasions and also 
held conference calls between meetings to consider specific 
items. Meetings are scheduled to allow sufficient time for full 
discussion of key topics and to enable early identification and 
resolution of risks and issues. Meetings are aligned with the 
Group’s financial reporting calendar.

The Committee reviewed its terms of reference during the 
year to ensure they comply with relevant regulation, including 
the UK Corporate Governance Code 2018, the Companies Act 
2006, the FRC’s 2016 Guidance on Audit Committees, the 
FRC’s 2014 Guidance on Risk Management, Internal Control 
and Related Financial and Business Reporting and the FRC’s 
Revised Ethical Standards 2019. The Audit Committee’s terms 
of reference can be accessed via the corporate website. The 
Board approved the terms of reference on 3 December 2020.

Summary of responsibilities
The Committee’s detailed responsibilities are described in its 
terms of reference and include:

 - monitor the integrity of the Financial Statements of the 

Group, reviewing and reporting to the Board on significant 
financial reporting issues and judgements including going 
concern and viability assessments;

 - review and, where necessary, challenge the consistency of 
significant accounting policies, and whether appropriate 
accounting standards have been used;

 - review the content of the Annual Report and Accounts 

and advise the Board on whether it is fair, balanced and 
understandable and if it provides the information necessary 
for shareholders to assess Tullow’s position, performance, 
business model and strategy;

 - monitor and review the adequacy and effectiveness of the 
Company’s internal financial controls and internal control 
and risk management systems; 

 - consider the level of assurance being provided on the risk 
management and internal controls systems and whether 

50

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

it is sufficient for the Board to satisfy itself that they are 
operating effectively;

 - review the adequacy of the whistleblowing system, and the 
Company’s procedures for detecting and preventing fraud;

 - review and assess the annual Internal Audit Plan, its 

alignment with key risks of the business and coordination with 
other assurance providers and receive a report on the results 
of the Internal Audit function’s work on a periodic basis;

 - oversee its relationship with the external auditor including 

assessing its independence and objectivity, review the annual 
audit plan to ensure it is consistent with the scope of the 
audit engagement, and review the findings of the audit;

 - assess the qualifications, expertise and resources of the 

external auditor and the effectiveness of the audit process; and

 - oversee the system of ethics and compliance, including its 

procedures to prevent bribery and corruption, and response 
to any significant instances of non-compliance.

Key areas reviewed in 2020
The Committee fully discharged its responsibilities during the 
year and the following describes the work completed by the 
Audit Committee in 2020: 

Annual Report
For the Audit Committee and the Board to be satisfied with 
the overall fairness, balance and clarity of the final report, 
the following steps are taken:

 - collaborative approach taken by the Group, with support 
from the Executives and Group functions and direct input 
from the Board;

 - a central dedicated project team working closely with our 

external auditor;

 - early engagement and planning, taking into consideration 

investors’ feedback, regulatory changes and leading practice;

 - comprehensive guidance issued to key report contributors 

across the Group;

 - validation of data and information included in the report 

both internally and by the external auditor;

 - a series of key proof dates for comprehensive review across 
different levels in the Group that aim to ensure consistency 
and overall balance; and

 - Senior Management and Board review and sign-off.

Financial reporting
As part of the financial reporting process, the Committee kept 
under review ongoing and emerging financial reporting risks 
and judgements. The Committee met in September 2020 to 
review half-year Financial Statements and in December 2020 
and January 2021 to discuss an initial view of key financial 
reporting risks and judgements before the year-end process. 
Finally, the Committee met for the full-year accounts approval 
in March 2021. At each stage of the process, the Committee 
considered the key risks identified as being significant to the 
2020 Annual Report and Accounts as well as accounting policy 
changes and their most appropriate treatment and disclosure. 
The primary areas of judgement considered by the Committee 
in relation to the 2020 accounts and how these were addressed 
are detailed overleaf. The related Group accounting policies 
can be found on pages 97 to 108.

Significant financial 
judgements and areas 
of estimation

Carrying value 
of intangible 
exploration and 
evaluation assets

How the Committee addressed these judgements and areas of estimation

A detailed accounting paper was received by the Committee from management on the Group’s exploration and 
evaluation assets, with a separate paper for Kenya and Uganda, given their materiality. The papers documented 
management’s assessment of indicators for impairment and, if required, showed calculations for the impairments. 
The Committee reviewed these papers and challenged management’s position, with particular focus on the Kenya and 
Uganda development projects following the decrease in the Group’s oil price assumption, at both the November and 
February Audit Committee meetings.

Furthermore, the Committee met and discussed the Group’s reserves and resources with the Group’s external reserves 
auditor, TRACS, at the March Committee meeting to confirm that the hydrocarbon volumes audited by TRACS support 
the impairment assessment.

The Committee supported management’s assessment that an impairment was required in respect of Kenya based on 
the value-in-use assessment performed and that impairment of Uganda should reflect the consideration received on 
disposal. The Committee also concurred that exploration assets in Comoros, Namibia, Côte d’Ivoire and Guyana should 
be written off as proposed by management and ensured there was an appropriate disclosure of this judgement in the 
Annual Report and Accounts.

Carrying value 
of property, plant 
and equipment

The Committee received and reviewed the papers prepared by management on the Group’s oil price and discount rate 
assumptions, which are used in the assessment of the carrying value of PP&E. At the September, December and March 
Audit Committee meetings these assumptions were challenged by the Committee compared to independent oil price 
forecasts. The Committee also challenged the Company’s calculation of discount rates, with particular focus on the 
asset and exploration risk adjustments made by management to a peer group weighted average cost of capital.

At the September, December and March Audit Committee meetings the Audit Committee reviewed and challenged 
detailed papers on management’s assessment of impairment triggers and resulting impairment tests for PP&E. 
The Committee gave particular focus to TEN, given the materiality of historical impairments made to that asset. The 
Committee also discussed the Group’s reserves and resources with the Group’s external reserves auditor, TRACS, at 
the March Committee meeting to gain comfort over management’s view of the carrying value of PP&E. The Committee 
concurred with the impairment and impairment reversals proposed by management and ensured there was an 
adequate disclosure of this judgement in the Annual Report and Accounts.

Going concern 
and viability

A detailed accounting paper and cash flow analysis was prepared by management and provided to the Committee, 
which then reviewed and challenged the assumptions and judgements in the underlying going concern and Viability 
Statement forecast cash flows. The Committee discussed with management the risks, sensitivities and mitigations 
identified by management to ensure the Company can continue as a going concern. The Committee agreed with 
management that there are, however, material uncertainties in relation to this assessment. The Committee also 
discussed the three-year time horizon used by management for the Viability Statement. The Committee concurred with 
management’s assessment and ensured there was an adequate disclosure of this judgement in the Annual Report 
and Accounts.

Decommissioning 
costs

A detailed paper was prepared by management detailing the Group’s decommissioning provision assumptions making 
reference, where appropriate, to relevant third-party reports, operator estimates and market data. At the January Audit 
Committee meeting, the Committee challenged the reasonableness of management’s assessment of the changes to 
estimated decommissioning costs made during 2020. The Committee concurred with management’s assessment and 
ensured there was an adequate disclosure of this judgement in the Annual Report and Accounts.

Provisions

A detailed accounting paper was prepared by management on provisions and reviewed by the Committee. This included 
a summary of independent legal advice on such disputes where appropriate. The Committee regularly monitors the 
risk by receiving regular summaries of all open litigations and disputes as part of the Group’s Quarterly Performance 
reporting. The Committee then challenged management’s position at the December and March Audit Committee 
meetings. The Committee concurred with management’s assessment and ensured there was an adequate disclosure of 
this judgement in the Annual Report and Accounts.

Uncertain tax 
and regulatory 
positions

Detailed accounting papers on all tax and regulatory exposures were prepared by management for the Committee’s 
review. Where relevant, the papers included summaries of external legal or tax advice on particular tax claims and 
assessments received. The Committee also met with the Head of Tax in the September meeting to discuss and 
challenge the key judgements and estimates made including the likelihood of success and the quantum of the total 
exposure for which provision had been made. The Committee concurred with management’s assessment and ensured 
there was an adequate disclosure of this judgement in the Annual Report and Accounts.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

51

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEAudit Committee report continued

Allocation of Audit Committee time* (%)

Oversight of 
relationship with 
the external 
auditor 5%

Risk management 
process and 
internal controls 
15%

Ethics and 
compliance 5%

Financial 
reporting and 
judgements 55%

5555+

Internal Audit 20%

*  Percentages are approximate.

External auditor
Making recommendations to the Board on the appointment 
or re-appointment of the Group’s external auditor, overseeing 
the Board’s relationship with the external auditor and 
overseeing the selection of a new external auditor, and 
assessing the effectiveness of the external audit process 
is a key responsibility of the Audit Committee.

 - The UK Corporate Governance Code states that the Audit 
Committee should have primary responsibility for making 
a recommendation on the appointment, re-appointment 
or removal of the external auditor. On the basis of the 
competitive tender process carried out in 2018, the 
Committee recommended to the Board that it recommend 
to shareholders the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP 
as Tullow’s statutory auditor, which was duly appointed 
at the 2020 AGM.

 - The external auditor is required to rotate the audit partner 
responsible for the Group audit every five years. Mr Paul Wallek 
is Ernst & Young LLP’s lead audit partner with effect 
from 2020.

 - The Audit Committee assessed the qualifications, expertise 
and resources, and independence of Ernst & Young LLP as 
well as the effectiveness of the audit process. This review 
covered all aspects of the audit service provided by Ernst & 
Young LLP, including obtaining a report on the audit firm’s 
own internal quality control procedures and consideration 
of the audit firm’s annual transparency reports in line with 
the UK Corporate Governance Code. The Audit Committee 
also approved the external audit terms of engagement and 
remuneration. During 2020 the Committee held private 
meetings with the external auditor. The Audit Committee 
Chair also maintained regular contact with the audit partner, 
Mr Paul Wallek, throughout the year. These meetings provide 
an opportunity for open dialogue with the external auditor 
without management being present. Matters discussed 
included the auditor’s assessment of significant financial 
risks and the performance of management in addressing 
these risks, the auditor’s opinion of management’s role in 
fulfilling obligations for the maintenance of internal controls, 
the transparency and responsiveness of interactions with 
management, confirmation that no restrictions have been 
placed on it by management, maintaining the independence 
of the audit, and how it has exercised professional challenge.

52

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 - In order to ensure the effectiveness of the external audit 

process, Ernst & Young LLP conducts an audit risk 
identification process at the start of the audit cycle. This 
plan is presented to the Audit Committee for its review and 
approval and, for the 2020 audit, the key audit risks identified 
included going concern and covenant compliance, impairment 
of tangible oil and gas properties, oil and gas reserves 
estimation, impairment of Kenya and Uganda intangible 
exploration and evaluation assets, revenue recognition and 
estimation of decommissioning provisions. These and other 
identified risks are reviewed through the year and reported 
at Audit Committee meetings where the Committee 
challenges the work completed by the auditor and tests 
management’s assumptions and estimates in relation to 
these risks. The Committee also seeks an assessment from 
management of the effectiveness of the external audit process. 
In addition, a separate questionnaire addressed to all attendees 
of the Audit Committee and Senior Finance Managers is 
used to assess external audit effectiveness. As a result of 
these reviews, the Audit Committee considered the external 
audit process to be operating effectively.

 - The Committee closely monitors the level of audit and 

non-audit services provided by the external auditor to the 
Group. Non-audit services are normally limited to assignments 
that are closely related to the annual audit or where the 
work is of such a nature that a detailed understanding of 
the Group is necessary. An internal Tullow standard for the 
engagement of the external auditor to supply non-audit 
services is in place to formalise these arrangements. 
It was revised in 2018 and is reviewed bi-annually. It requires 
Audit Committee approval for all non-trivial categories of 
non-audit work. A breakdown of the fees paid in 2020 to the 
external auditor in respect of audit and non-audit work is 
included in note 4 to the Financial Statements.

 - In addition to processes put in place to ensure segregation 

of audit and non-audit roles, Ernst & Young LLP is required, 
as part of the assurance process in relation to the audit, to 
confirm to the Committee that it has both the appropriate 
independence and the objectivity to allow it to continue to 
serve the members of the Company. This confirmation is 
received every six months and no matters of concern were 
identified by the Committee.

External auditor rotation
Following the tender conducted in 2018, the Board appointed 
Ernst & Young LLP in December 2018 as the Group’s statutory 
auditor for the financial year commencing 1 January 2020. 
This appointment was approved by shareholders at the 2020 
Annual General Meeting. Throughout 2020, management has 
engaged with Ernst & Young LLP and Deloitte LLP, the Group’s 
previous statutory auditor, to ensure a smooth transition.

Internal controls and risk management
Responsibility for reviewing the effectiveness of the Group’s 
risk management and internal control systems is delegated 
to the Audit Committee by the Board. 

In 2020, the Audit Committee reviewed, discussed and briefed 
the Board on risks, controls and assurance, including the 
annual assessment of the system of risk management and 
internal control, to monitor the effectiveness of the procedures 
for internal control over financial reporting, compliance and 
operational matters. 

+
20
20
+
+
15
15
+
+
5
5
+
+
5
5
+
+
O
O
The Audit Committee obtained comfort over the effectiveness 
of the Group’s risk management and internal control systems 
through various assurance activities that included:

 - audits undertaken by the Internal Audit team;

 - assurance undertaken by the Group functions and 

Business Units;

 - enterprise risk management and assurance processes;

 - the external auditor’s observations on internal financial 

controls identified as part of its audit; and

 - regular performance, risk and assurance reporting by 
the Business Unit and Corporate teams to the Board.

During the year, in concert with the Board, the Audit Committee 
completed a robust assessment of the significant risks facing 
the Company, including those that would threaten its business 
model, future performance, solvency or liquidity. This assessment 
included the identification of emerging risks. The assessment 
process included engagements with the Senior Leadership 
Team helping to support understanding, ownership and 
accountability of enterprise-wide risks across all layers of the 
Company. For each of the principal risk categories the Board 
reviewed the risk strategies and associated risk appetites to 
ensure they were still valid. The risk appetites are embedded 
in the Tullow IMS to ensure they are visible to the whole 
organisation and help risk owners define risk tolerance and 
target levels for each key risk. 

Internal Audit periodically presented its findings to the 
Audit Committee, over delivery of the assurance plan, 
progress of issues raised and their timely resolution. 
On occasions, Senior Management representatives from 
the business were also invited to the Audit Committee to 
provide updates on key matters such as business process 
outsourcing and annual tax strategy review.

In addition, during the year, the Audit Committee received 
reports from the independent reserves auditor TRACS and 
reviewed the arrangements in place for managing risk 
relating to the Group’s critical information systems. 

All identified findings were assessed, with no indications of 
fraud noted.

Based on the results of the annual effectiveness review of risk 
management and internal control systems, the Audit Committee 
concluded that the system of internal controls operated 
effectively throughout the financial year and up to the date on 
which the Financial Statements were signed. There were 
areas identified for improvement and the Audit Committee 
is confident that they are in the process of being addressed.

Internal audit requirements
The Audit Committee’s role is to consider how the Group’s 
internal audit requirements are satisfied and make relevant 
recommendations to the Board.

 - A new Group Head of Internal Audit and Risk was appointed 
to the role in 2021. The acting Group Head of Internal Audit 
and Risk had direct access and responsibility to the Audit 
Committee Chair and Committee. The position’s main 
responsibilities include evaluating the Group’s assessment 
of the overall control environment. During 2020, the Group 
Head of Internal Audit met twice with the Audit Committee 
or its Chair without the presence of management. 

 - The Committee reviewed and challenged the programme of 
2020 internal audit work developed to address both financial 
and overall risk management objectives identified within the 
Group. The plan was subsequently adopted with progress 
reported at the Audit Committee meetings. 14 internal audits 
were undertaken during the year, covering a risk-based range 
of financial and business processes in the Group’s Corporate 
functions and the main operational Business Units. 

 - Internal Audit also ran a systematic programme of audits of 
suppliers’ compliance with commercial and business ethics 
clauses, including bribery and corruption with regard to 
significant and high-risk contracts.

 - Detailed results from the internal audits were reported to 
management and in summary to the Audit Committee 
during the year. Where required, the Audit Committee 
receives full reports and details on any key findings. The 
Audit Committee receives regular reports on the status of 
the implementation of Internal Audit recommendations. 

 - The Audit Committee assessed the effectiveness of Internal 
Audit through meeting with the Head of Internal Audit, its 
review and assessment of the Internal Audit Plan and the 
results of audits reported, as well as an independent 
external assessment in 2020. PwC was engaged to 
undertake the external assessment of Internal Audit’s 
quality and effectiveness. The assessment covered compliance 
with the Institute of Internal Auditors’ Standards including 
professional practice, size and scope of the function. 
Internal Audit was deemed to be demonstrating good 
practice, adequately resourced and cost effective in 
conducting its activities.

Whistleblowing procedure
We ensure that an effective whistleblowing procedure is in place.

 - In line with best practice and to ensure Tullow works to the 
highest ethical standards, an independent whistleblowing 
procedure was established in 2011 and operated throughout 
2020 to allow staff to confidentially raise any concerns about 
business practices. This procedure complements established 
internal reporting processes. The whistleblowing policy is 
included in the Code of Ethical Conduct which is available 
to all staff in printed form and on the corporate intranet. 
Each member of staff is required to complete an online 
awareness course to refresh their knowledge of key 
provisions of Tullow’s Code of Ethical Conduct. The Committee 
considers the whistleblowing procedures to be appropriate 
for the size and scale of the Group.

 - The Committee receives from the Group Ethics and 

Compliance Manager summaries of investigations of 
significant known or suspected misconduct by third parties 
and employees including ongoing monitoring and following 
up of internal investigations.

Review of effectiveness of the Audit Committee
 - In December 2020, the Audit Committee undertook a review 
of its effectiveness with the results reported to the Board. 
The Committee was considered to be operating effectively 
and in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code 
and the relevant guidance. The feedback provided has been 
used to shape the agendas and the annual rolling agenda of 
the Committee in 2021. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

53

CORPORATE GOVERNANCENominations Committee report

Dear shareholder
The main function of the Nominations Committee is to ensure 
that the Board and its Committees are appropriately constituted 
and have the necessary skills and expertise to support the 
Company’s current and future activities and deliver its strategy 
for sustainable long term success. Below Board level, the 
Committee focuses on the recruitment, development and 
retention of a diverse pipeline of managers who will occupy 
the most senior positions in the Company in the future.

The diversity of a board contributes to its success and I am 
pleased that, despite the changes on the Board during 2020, 
we continue to have a strong African membership and at least 
30 per cent female membership on the Board. 

The key activity of the Committee in 2020 was the search for a 
new Chief Executive Officer, which resulted in the announcement 
on 21 April 2020 of the appointment of Rahul Dhir which took 
effect on 1 July 2020. In making this critical appointment, the 
Committee focused on identifying candidates that possessed 
the skills, experience and values required to lead Tullow and 
deliver our long term strategy in pursuit of our purpose. 
These included: excellence in leadership; a strong depth of 
experience in oil and gas; a disciplined approach to capital 
allocation; a history of working in the countries in which we 
operate and with our host governments; and a conviction for 
creating value for all our stakeholders. After a thorough 
process, covering a diverse set of candidates, I am delighted 
that we were able to appoint Rahul, and the Board has been 
very pleased by his progress to date. Rahul’s biography can 
be found on page 46 of this report. The Committee designed 
a detailed induction for Rahul so that, despite the restrictions 
imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was able 
to engage with all the material elements of the business prior 
to his appointment. 

Following the operational challenges experienced by the Company 
in 2019, the Committee also initiated a search in 2020 for a new 
non-executive Director specifically with technical expertise in 
oil production, oil field reserves and resources, with experience 
in offshore operations. On 9 September 2020, the Company 
announced the appointment of Mitchell Ingram, who is a 
highly experienced oil and gas executive with a distinguished 
career. Mitchell’s biography can be found on page 47 of this 
report. Upon appointment, Mitchell joined the Remuneration 
Committee and the Safety & Sustainability Committee, of 
which he has recently been appointed the Chair. 

Both search processes were assisted by the search consultant 
Odgers Berndtson, which has no other connection with the 
Company, its Group or any of the Directors.

On 23 April 2020, the Nominations Committee appointed existing 
non-executive Director Martin Greenslade as Chair of the 
Audit Committee after an orderly transition from Steve Lucas, 
non-executive Director, who stepped step down from the 
Board after eight years with Tullow. The timing of Martin’s 
appointment has coincided with the appointment of the 

Company’s new external auditors, Ernst & Young LLP. Martin 
has extensive financial experience and is currently Chief 
Financial Officer and member of the board of Land Securities 
Group plc, which he has held since 2005. His biography can be 
found on page 46 of this report.

The Committee is also responsible for ensuring there are 
plans in place for the orderly succession of Senior Manager 
positions within the business. This was particularly important 
during 2020 when Tullow undertook a significant internal 
re-organisation to address its cost-base. The Committee and 
the Board reviewed the proposals and arrangements for the 
recruitment, development and retention of managers occupying 
the senior positions in the Company, and the new CEO’s, 
Senior Leadership Team. In 2021, the Committee will continue 
in this work and will be particularly focused on achieving a 
diverse and inclusive workforce population with a nationality 
mix which is representative of our assets’ geographic footprint 
and improves our gender diversity. Further details of our inclusion 
and diversity policy and how it has been implemented in 2020, 
including our diversity statistics, can be found on pages 28 
and 29.

In December 2020, the Committee initiated an internal evaluation 
of the performance of the Board and its Committees. Further 
details on the process and results of the evaluation can be 
found on page 42 and those results have been used to update 
the annual rolling agendas of the Board and its Committees 
and will shape the training programme for Directors, and will 
continue to inform the work of the Committee in 2020. 

Finally, as Chair of the Nomination Committee, I do believe it 
is important for a board to have an independent non-executive 
chair, separate from the role of the chief executive officer. 
During the exceptional circumstances of late 2019 and through 
to September 2020, I performed the role of Executive Chair on 
an interim basis. Following the appointment of the new CEO 
and my subsequent return to a non-executive role, the Board 
reviewed and confirmed the different responsibilities of the 
CEO, Chair and Senior Independent Director. When considering 
my independence, the Board has taken into account the 
Corporate Governance Code and associated guidance. I was 
independent upon appointment and the Board has concluded 
that I am once again independent now that I have returned to 
a non-executive role. I strongly believe in the importance of 
demonstrating independent and objective judgement in my 
role as Chair and in continuing to promote a culture of 
openness and constructive challenge and debate amongst 
the Board for the benefit of all of our stakeholders. 

Dorothy Thompson
Chair of the Nominations Committee

9 March 2021

54

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Committee membership and meetings
The membership and attendance of the Committee meetings 
held in 2020 are shown on page 42.

In addition to three formal meetings, the Committee held 
several informal discussions, telephone conference calls and 
interviews during the year with regard to the appointment of 
the new CEO and the composition of the Senior Management 
Team and were assisted in the critical decisions arising from 
these discussions through consultation with the whole Board.

Committee’s role
The Committee reviews the composition and balance of 
the Board and Senior Managers on a regular basis. It also 
ensures robust succession plans are in place for all Directors 
and Senior Managers. When recruiting new Executive or 
non-executive Directors, the Committee appoints external 
search consultants to provide a list of possible candidates, 
from which a shortlist is produced. External consultants are 
instructed that diversity is one of the criteria that the 
Committee will take into consideration in its selection of the 
shortlist. The Committee’s terms of reference are reviewed 
annually and are set out on the corporate website.

Committee’s main responsibilities
The Committee’s main duties are:

 -  reviewing the structure, size and composition of the Board 
(including the skills, knowledge, experience and diversity of 
its members) and making recommendations to the Board 
about any changes required;

 - identifying and nominating, for Board approval, candidates 

to fill Board vacancies as and when they arise;

 - succession planning for Directors and other Senior Managers;

 - reviewing annually the time commitment required of 

non-executive Directors; and

 - making recommendations to the Board regarding membership 

of the Audit, Remuneration and other Committees in 
consultation with the Chair of each Committee.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

55

CORPORATE GOVERNANCESafety and Sustainability Committee report

Dear shareholder
The Safety and Sustainability Committee monitors the 
performance and sets the forward-looking agenda for the 
Company in relation to responsible operations, shared 
prosperity and environmental stewardship. The Committee 
also executes in-depth reviews of strategically important 
areas of concern for the Group. In 2020 the Committee 
continued to recognise the importance of process safety 
and particularly the need for a focus on asset integrity and 
maintenance in Ghana with performance reviewed against 
a specific improvement plan at each Committee meeting. 

Tullow’s response to COVID-19 in relation to managing 
continued safe operations was a key focus of the Committee. 
Health incident management plans were in place, supported 
by robust business continuity processes, which enabled 
continued safe operations. 

Tullow continued to review its overall approach to sustainability, 
with a focus on shared prosperity and environmental stewardship. 
This involved reviewing Tullow’s resilience to the risk of 
climate change and pathways to decarbonise operations. 
The Group reviewed its business for a second year against 
the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related 
Financial Disclosures (TCFD), as well as the Company’s 
overall approach to sustainability. The Committee endorsed 
the Climate Policy, issued in April, and oversaw work by the 
Net Zero Task Force to identify a pathway to eliminate routine 
flaring and reducing other sources of carbon emissions. 

At the end of 2020 I transitioned the responsibility of Chair of 
the Safety and Sustainability Committee to Mitchell Ingram 
and remain a member of the Committee.

Mike Daly
Chair of the Safety and Sustainability Committee

9 March 2021 

Committee’s role 
The Committee’s role is to monitor the performance and 
key risks that the Company faces in relation to safety 
and sustainability. 

The Committee oversees the processes and systems put 
in place by the Company to meet our stated objectives of 
protecting employees, the communities in which we operate 
and the natural environment, and potential future changes 
in external market drivers. Additionally, it monitors the 
effectiveness of operational organisations across the 
Company in delivering continuous improvement in EHS 
through reviewing a wide range of EHS leading and lagging 
indicators to gain an insight into how EHS policies, standards 
and practices are being implemented. 

The Committee continues to review high-potential incidents, 
especially where they have occurred repeatedly in one location 
or activity. During 2020 we undertook several deep dives into 

56

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

repeat incidents to understand the causes and provide 
assurance that appropriate improvements were being made. 
It also scrutinises the outcome of audits and investigations 
and importantly the closure of related actions.

Additionally, the Committee reviews Tullow’s broader 
sustainability performance against our goals, aligned to our 
overall purpose and business strategy. This includes receiving 
updates on Tullow’s performance as evaluated by ESG ratings 
agencies, our shared prosperity performance and 
development of Tullow’s Net Zero strategy.

Committee’s main responsibilities 
The Committee’s main responsibilities are: 

 - to review and provide advice regarding the Safety and 
Sustainability, Climate and Human Rights policies of 
the Company; 

 - to monitor the performance, including regulatory compliance, 
of the Company in the progressive implementation of its 
environmental, health, security and asset protection, and 
safety policies, including process safety management; 

 - to review matters relating to material environmental, health, 

security and asset protection, and safety risks, and to 
consider material regulatory and technical developments 
in the fields of environmental, health, security and asset 
protection, and safety management; 

 - to review the pathways to decarbonise Tullow’s operations, 

and the associated costs and risks and to approve the 
timeframe in which Tullow intends to achieve Net Zero; and

 - to review Tullow’s approach to delivering shared prosperity, 

including local content, social investment and social 
performance.

The Committee’s terms of reference are reviewed annually 
and are available on the corporate website. The Committee’s 
organisation changed at the end of 2020 with a handover of 
the Chair position to Mitchell Ingram. The Committee currently 
comprises four non-executive Directors. The membership of 
the Committee and attendance throughout the year is set out 
on page 42. The Committee is supported by the Company 
Secretary and Julia Ross, Director of People and Sustainability. 

The safety and sustainability related KPIs that the Company 
measured its performance on in 2020 can be found on pages 
61 and 62 of this report. 

The Committee’s focus in 2021 
 - A continuing emphasis on process safety, the asset integrity 

in Ghana, topsides and subsea.

 - Continually improving performance of safety, operational, 

environmental and risk management.

 - Review the capability and organisation to deliver safety and 

sustainability performance.

 - Support embedding sustainability across the organisation. 

 - For our SECR disclosures, please go to pages 38 and 39 

of the Strategic Report.

Remuneration report

Annual statement 
on remuneration

The Remuneration Committee is focused on ensuring 
Executive Directors and Senior Managers are rewarded 
for promoting the long term sustainable success of the 
Company and delivering on its strategy.

Dear shareholder
On behalf of the Board, I am presenting the Remuneration 
Committee’s report for 2020 on Directors’ remuneration. 
The report is divided into three main sections:

 - this Annual Statement, which contains a summary of 

performance and pay for 2020, an overview of Executive 
Director remuneration for 2020 and 2021 and details in 
respect of the operation of the Committee;

 - the 2020 Annual Report on Remuneration, which provides 
details of the remuneration earned by Directors in the year 
ended 31 December 2020 and how the Policy will be 
operated in 2021; and

 - the Directors’ Remuneration Policy Report, which was 
formally approved by the shareholders at the 2020 AGM 
and sets out the forward-looking three-year Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy for the Company. 

New Directors’ Remuneration Policy approved at the 2020 AGM
I would like to begin by thanking our shareholders for their 
support in approving the new Directors’ Remuneration Policy 
at our AGM on 23 April 2020, which received a 97 per cent vote 
in favour. I engaged with many of our major shareholders and 
stakeholders, including directly with our workforce advisory 
panel, prior to the proposal of the new Policy, and I am pleased 
that the Committee was able to incorporate most of the 
feedback I received. The Committee believes the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy, which includes a total variable pay 
incentive of 400 per cent of salary, is appropriate for a business 
of our size and complexity. It was critical in attracting our new 
CEO in July 2020, and was an enabler for us to reduce the 
fixed salary component by 25 per cent compared to the 
previous incumbent. Nonetheless, the Committee will 
continue to monitor whether the current total variable 
incentive opportunity remains appropriate and will employ 
challenging KPIs, aligned to the long term strategy and 
success of the Company.

2020 context
2020 proved to be a challenging year for the business and our 
workforce. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of 
our workforce for their efforts, many of whom spent extended 
periods of time away from their families due to the exceptional 
measures required to continue safe operations during the 
pandemic. I would also like to thank the Chair of the Board, 
Dorothy Thompson, for her exceptional dedication to the 
Company in stepping in as Executive Chair for an interim 
period during a critical time for the business. The Committee 
believes the increase in fees paid to the Chair for this period 
were appropriate and reflective of the intensive nature of the 
full time role, and represent good value for shareholders, 
being materially below those of the previous incumbent and 
also the new CEO. 

In addition to the wider issues associated with the COVID-19 
pandemic which began early in 2020, the Executive Directors 
and our staff were faced with a sudden fall in oil prices 
whilst they sought to re-structure the business and pursue 
a programme of asset disposals. Notwithstanding these 
events outside of their control, the workforce, led by the 
Executive Directors, managed to complete a material disposal 
of assets in Uganda, reset the strategy and restructure the 
entire business resulting in a reduction to employee headcount 
of 53 per cent and a forecast annual G&A cash savings of 
$125 million. We continued to safely deliver offshore oil 
production within the annual guidance provided to stakeholders 
at the beginning of the year and set out our longer term 
plan for shareholders at our November Capital Markets Day. 
Although a number of staff were made redundant during the 
course of 2020, enhanced settlements were offered in excess 
of statutory requirements (including the offer of outplacement 
services) and no exceptional Government financial support 
was used by the Company. 

It is for these reasons and taking into account the stakeholder 
experience (including employee outcomes), that the Committee 
believes it was appropriate to award the Executive Directors 
a TIP Award in respect of 2020. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

57

CORPORATE GOVERNANCESummary of Executive Director remuneration for 2020 
The KPI scorecard at 20.1 per cent for 2020 reflected the 
challenge of the external environment and the response of 
the Management Team to this. Reduced demand for oil led 
to a fall in the oil price, additional costs to the Company to 
operate in a COVID-19 secure way, and a mandated cut back 
in production in Gabon as OPEC tried to rebalance the market. 
The resultant financial stress on our balance sheet required 
extra attention of the management team and a reduced focus 
on delivering our strategic KPIs. The details of the KPI 
scorecard can be found on page 12.

The Committee deliberated on several occasions whether it 
was appropriate to make TIP Awards to our Executives, given 
the financial impact of the pandemic. It noted that Tullow 
received no Government support in terms of furlough or direct 
grant and that we had already cut the dividend in 2019. As regards 
to Rahul Dhir, he was appointed half way through the year on 
the understanding that he would be eligible to receive a TIP 
Award provided he delivered to our expectations. I can comfortably 
report that he has exceeded our expectations throughout. 
Rahul’s TIP outcome was 30.15 per cent of maximum, which 
reflects the different KPI weightings used from appointment. 
As regards to Les Wood, we noted that he received no TIP 
Award for 2019 and has had no salary increase this year or in 
the prior year. Through 2020, Les as Chief Financial Officer 
has delivered strong outcomes in his areas of responsibility. 
As such and noting the negative discretion exercised last year, 
we felt it absolutely appropriate to award him a bonus albeit 
at 20.1 per cent of maximum, which encompasses the 
pandemic challenges as outlined below. 

Summary of Executive Director remuneration for 2021
Base salary levels were last increased with effect from 
1 January 2019 (3 per cent increases). No increases were awarded 
for 2020 and no increases have been awarded for 2021. 

We have finalised our KPI scorecard for 2021 with a focus on 
production, safety, cash flow, sustainability and our refinancing. 
Details can be found on page 13. We believe all targets to 
be suitably stretching. 

When our new CEO joined in July, we had to restart the relative 
Total Shareholder Return (TSR) metric from July 2020 so he 
bore no penalty or reward for the time before he joined. We 
also reduced the weighting of the TSR measure to 35 per cent 
for the 2021 scorecard to reflect the 18-month period rather 
than the normal three-year period over which this element 
will be measured. In order to align the incentive measures for 
our Executive Directors, to ensure consistency in measurement 
and potential outcomes for both, we have applied the same 
weighting and measurement period to Les Wood for 2021. 

Remuneration arrangements for the wider workforce 
Following the re-structuring of the business in 2020, the 
Committee felt it was important that management reviews 
and revise the reward philosophy of the Company to ensure 
that remuneration arrangements across the business are fair 
and balanced, and reward performance whilst developing an 
inclusive and diverse pool of future talent. The Committee 
reviewed the revised “Employee Value Proposition” in 

58

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

“ The Remuneration Committee 
seeks to align reward with the 
Company’s strategy, culture 
and delivery of long term 
shareholder value.”

Jeremy Wilson
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

December 2020 and is pleased to report its alignment with 
the Values and culture of the Company. The Committee will 
continue to monitor the implementation and effectiveness of 
the new arrangements throughout the year, especially when 
considering the performance and remuneration arrangements 
of the Executive Directors and Senior Managers. 

Stakeholder engagement 
During the year, members of the Committee, including me, 
met with the workforce Tullow Advisory Panel (TAP). 12 staff, 
who collectively represent employees and contractors from 
all of Tullow’s global offices, were nominated by the workforce 
to sit on the panel. The panel provides an opportunity for 
the Board to understand and take into consideration the 
interests of Tullow’s workforce, including their remuneration 
arrangements as it makes decisions for the long term 
success and sustainability of the Company. Feedback from 
the TAP and staff generally was considered by the Committee 
when making its decisions, especially in response to the 
re-structuring of the business and measures implemented 
as a result of COVID-19. 

At the beginning of last year, I engaged with many of the 
Company’s major shareholders and also institutions which 
represent the views of many of our stakeholders and the 
feedback received was incorporated into the Directors’ 
Remuneration Policy submitted to shareholders at last 
year’s AGM. This year I will be contacting our major 
shareholders with an offer of engagement prior to the AGM 
and look forward to any feedback they wish to provide. 

Concluding thoughts
On behalf of the Committee, I would like to thank 
shareholders for their vote approving the Directors’ 
Remuneration Report at the last AGM and look forward 
to your continued support over the coming year. If you have 
any comments or questions on any element of the report, 
please contact me via our Company Secretary, Adam Holland, 
at companysecretary@tullowoil.com.

Jeremy Wilson
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

9 March 2021

Remuneration report continuedAt a glance
Implementation of Policy for Executive Directors for 2020
Single figure remuneration 

Name of Director

Dorothy Thompson1

Rahul Dhir2

Les Wood

Fees/salary
£

506,560

Pension
£

–

291,580

43,738

Taxable
benefits 
£

5,338

1,461

TIP cash
£

Deferred TIP
shares
£

Total 
£

–

–

511,898

174,870

174,870

686,519

461,500

115,374

10,846

185,521

185,521

958,762

1.  Dorothy Thompson switched from non-executive Chair to Executive Chair from 9 December 2019 to 8 September 2020. The period from 1 July 2020 to 

8 September 2020 was to ensure a smooth transition to the new Chief Executive Officer. From 9 September 2020, Dorothy returned to her position as 
Company Chair.

2.  Rahul Dhir was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective 1 July 2020.

Assessment of TIP Awards (Rahul Dhir) 

Maximum

15%

22.5%

7.5%

7.5%

22.5%

Actual

10.95% 2.7%

4.5%

12%

25%*

Maximum  
Total 100%

Actual  
Total 30.15%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

 Safety   Production   Financials   Sustainability   Strategic   Relative TSR

Assessment of TIP Awards (Les Wood) 

Maximum

10%

15%

5%

5%

15%

Actual

7.3% 1.8%

3% 8%

 50%

Maximum  
Total 100%

Actual  
Total 20.1%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

100%

 Safety   Production   Financials   Sustainability   Strategic   Relative TSR

* Transitionary arrangements were agreed for Rahul Dhir on appointment. For 2020, time pro-ration of the total variable incentive, a 25 per cent weighting for 

TSR and an adjusted TSR comparison period commencing the 20 working days prior to his date of appointment on 1 July 2020.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

59

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
Annual Report on Remuneration
Directors’ remuneration (audited)
The remuneration of the Directors for the year ended 31 December 2020 payable by Group companies in respect of qualifying 
services and comparative figures for 2019 are shown in the table below:

Executive Directors

Rahul Dhir6

Les Wood7

Former Executive Directors

Paul McDade

Angus McCoss

Subtotal 2020

Subtotal 2019

Non-executive Directors

Dorothy Thompson8

Mike Daly

Steve Lucas9

Jeremy Wilson

Genevieve Sangudi

Sheila Khama

Martin Greenslade10

Mitchell Ingram11

Former non-executive Directors

Tutu Agyare

Subtotal 2020

Fixed pay

Tullow Incentive Plan

Salary/fees 1
£

Pensions 2
£

Taxable
benefits 3
£

TIP cash 4
£

Deferred 
TIP shares 5
£

Total 
£

Total 
fixed 
pay

Total 
variable 
pay

2020 291,580

43,738

1,461

174,870 174,870 686,519 336,779 349,740

2020 461,500 115,374

10,846

185,521 185,521 958,762 587,720 371,042

2019 461,500 115,374

1,487  

2019  769,160 192,288

25,258

2019 434,970 108,742

13,016

–

–

–

–

578,361 578,361

–

–

986,706 986,706

556,728 556,728

–

–

–

2020 753,080 159,112

12,307

360,391 360,391 1,645,281 924,499 720,782

2019 1,665,630 416,404

39,761

2020 506,560

2019 318,904

2020

80,000

2019

80,000

2020

26,550

2019

85,000

2020

95,000

2019

90,274

2020

65,000

2019

44,520

2020

65,000

2019

44,520

2020

78,720

2019

10,863

2020

20,250

2019

25,205

2020 937,080

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5,338

–  

–

–  

–

2,026  

3,979

9,862  

781

4,554

2,329

5,301  

–

–  

–

12,824

12,427

34,567  

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

– 2,121,795 2,121,795

–

– 511,898 511,898

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

318,904 318,904

80,000 80,000

80,000

80,000

26,550 26,550

87,026

87,026

98,979 98,979

100,136 100,136

65,781 65,871

49,074

49,074

67,329 67,329

49,821

49,821

78,720 78,720

10,863

10,863

20,250 20,250

38,029

38,029

– 949,507 949,507

n/a

n/a

n/a 

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

–

733,853 733,853

n/a

Subtotal 2019  
(includes former non executive directors)

2019 699,286

Total (includes former Executive and 
non-executive directors)

2020 1,690,160 159,112

24,734

360,391 360,391 2,594,788 1,874,006 720,782

Total

2019 2,364,916 416,404

74,328  

–

– 2,855,648 2,855,648

–

1.  Base salaries of the Executive Directors have been rounded up to the nearest £10 for payment purposes, in line with established policy.
2.  None of the Executive Directors have a prospective entitlement to a defined benefit pension by reference to qualifying services. Both Rahul Dhir and Les Wood 

receive cash in lieu of pension contribution.

3.  Taxable benefits comprise private medical insurance for all Executive Directors and any other taxable expenses. Travel and subsistence benefits provided to 

Executive Directors and NEDs have also been included on a grossed-up basis as Tullow meets the UK tax liability on their behalf.

4.  Given the performance of the Company during 2019, the Remuneration Committee exercised negative discretion to award cash bonuses of nil.

5.  These figures represent that part of the TIP Award required to be deferred into shares. Given the poor performance of the Company during 2019, 

the Remuneration Committee exercised discretion to award no deferred shares awards.

6.   Rahul Dhir was appointed Chief Executive Officer effective 1 July 2020. Benefits consist of medical insurance and travel expenses.

60

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Remuneration report continuedDirectors’ remuneration (audited) continued
7.  Benefits for Les Wood include a cash buyout of five days, annual leave equating to the amount of £8,875. This was an arrangement agreed for all employees as a 

response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the ability to utilise annual leave.

8.  Dorothy Thompson served as Executive Chair from 9 December 2019 until 8 September 2020, including a transitionary period from 1 July 2020 to 8 September 
2020 to allow for an effective handover to Rahul Dhir following his appointment as Chief Executive Officer. Effective 9 September 2020, Dorothy returned to her 
position as Chair of the Tullow Board.

9.  Steve Lucas stepped down from the Board and as Chair of the Audit Committee following the AGM on 23 April 2020.

10. Martin Greenslade was appointed Chair of the Audit Committee following the AGM on 23 April 2020.

11. Mitchell Ingram was appointed as Board member effective 9 September 2020.

Material contracts
There have been no contracts or arrangements during the financial year in which a Director of the Company was materially 
interested and/or which were significant in relation to the Group’s business. 

Payments to past Directors
No payments were made to past Directors in 2020.

Payments for loss of office
No payments were made for loss of office of Executive Directors in 2020.

Determination of 2021 TIP Award based on performance to 31 December 2020 (audited) 
The Group’s progress against its corporate scorecard is tracked during the year to assess its performance against its strategy. 
The corporate scorecard is made up of a collection of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) which indicate the Company’s overall 
health and performance across a range of operational, financial and non-financial measures. The corporate scorecard is central 
to Tullow’s approach to performance management and the 2020 indicators were agreed with the Board and focus on targets that 
were deemed important for the year. Each KPI measured has a percentage weighting and financial indicators have trigger, base 
and stretch performance targets. Following the end of the 2020 financial year, the corporate scorecard KPI performance was 
assessed as 20.1 per cent of the maximum. The Committee is satisfied with the outcome based on the broader view of 
performance and stakeholder experience.

Details of the performance targets and performance against those targets are as follows: 

Performance metric

Performance

Safety

Measure of Total 
Recordable Incident 
Rate (TRIR) and 
Process Safety 
Events (PSE)

The target was to improve upon of 2019 performance which was already better 
than IOGP first quartile performance for TRIR. This target was not achieved.

The target was to better 2019 performance with regards to process safety, which 
did not happen in terms of Tier 2 events.

TRIR

% of award
(% of salary 
maximum)

Actual 
(Les Wood) 2

Actual 
(Rahul Dhir) 2

10%
(40)%

0%
(0)%

0%
(0)%

Production

Trigger target

Base target

Stretch target

2020 performance

TRIR

Payout

0.7

0%

0.56

50%

0.42

100%

1.27

0%

There were eight recordable incidents. Four were for continuing production 
operation in Ghana, one was for the Suriname well and the other three were in 
Côte d’Ivoire.

Process Safety

Production

Trigger target

Base target

Stretch target

2020 performance

Tier 2 events

Payout

2

0%

1

50%

0

100%

4

0%

No Tier 1 events, however four Tier 2 events in the first half of 2020. Three were on 
the Jubilee FPSO and one on the TEN FPSO.

Production

Production

Targets relating to 
oil production

Production

Trigger target

Base target

Stretch target

2020 performance

kbopd

Payout

70.0

0%

75.0

50%

80.0

100%

74.9

49%

In Gabon production was negatively impacted by capex projects deferred due to 
COVID-19 (0.8 kbopd) and OPEC+ production quota’s being applied by operators 
since July 2020 (1.2 kbopd). 

15%
(60)%

7.3%
(29.3)%

10.95%
(21.9)%

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

61

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEAnnual Report on Remuneration continued
Details of variable pay earned in the year continued
Determination of 2021 TIP Award based on performance to 31 December 2020 (audited) continued

Performance metric

Performance

Financials

Opex/boe

Targets relating 
to opex/boe and 
gross G&A

Sustainability

Define energy 
transition strategy 
for Tullow to achieve 
Net Zero emissions

Strategic

Create a sustainable 
platform for the 
future: portfolio 
actions, debt 
reduction, and 
restoring trust with 
all stakeholders 

Opex/boe

Trigger target

Base target

Stretch target

2020 performance

$/boe 

Payout

12.4

0%

11.8

50%

11.2

100%

12.1

23%

The opex/boe was negatively impacted by the above-mentioned production 
reductions in Gabon as well as increased COVID-19 related costs in Ghana. 

Gross G&A

Trigger target

Base target

Stretch target

2020 performance

Gross G&A ($) 

Payout

310

0%

280

50%

250

100%

281

48%

G&A costs exclude restructuring costs. Significant reduction in G&A from 2019 
and further reductions expected for 2021.

Tullow’s potential decarbonisation pathway was set out at the Capital Markets Day 
followed by the delivery of an executable decarbonisation plan. 

On carbon offsetting, through the research and understanding we have 
accumulated during 2020, we are better placed to determine our carbon offset 
strategy in 2021.

In view of the above performance of having met the target and in addition to 
having shared a decarbonisation pathway at the Capital Markets Day, a score 
of 3 per cent out of a maximum of 5 per cent was deemed reasonable. 

For further on sustainability, see pages 24 to 29. 
2020 saw the successful delivery of the Uganda disposal of $575 million, despite a 
range of challenges. This resulted in a net debt at the end of 2020 of $2.4 billion, a 
reduction of c.$400 million from the net debt at the end of 2019. While the original 
target of $1 billion of asset sales was not fully achieved, its impact was mitigated 
to some extent by the cash flow impact of the c. $125 million in annual cash savings 
in G&A that are expected from 2021 onwards. Further asset sales are being 
considered provided they are accretive to value and strengthen the balance sheet. 

A new 10-year plan for the Company was presented at the Capital Markets Day 
held on November 25 2020. The plan is expected to deliver ~$7 billion operating 
cash flow for the period 2021 to 2030 of which ~$4 billion is available for debt 
service and shareholder returns.

Delivery on production targets and successful RBL redeterminations in March and 
September were other important steps in rebuilding trust and confidence with 
stakeholders. However, it is acknowledged there is more work done in this area. 

The above performance shows the work done and to be done that will create a 
sustainable platform for the future; therefore, a score of 8 per cent out of a 
possible 15 per cent was deemed reasonable.

% of award
(% of salary 
maximum)

Actual 
(Les Wood) 2

Actual 
(Rahul Dhir) 2

5%
(20)%

1.8%
(7.1)%

2.70%
(5.4)%

5%
(20)%

3.0%
(12.0)%

4.50%
(9)%

15%
(60)%

8.0%
(32.0)%

12%
(24)%

Relative Total 
Shareholder Return 
(TSR)1

Performance against a bespoke group of listed exploration and production 
companies measured over three years to 31 December 2020 – 25 per cent is 
payable at median, increasing to 100 per cent payable at upper quartile. 

50%
(200%)

0.0%
(0.0%)

0%
(0)%

Tullow placed in the bottom quartile; there was no payout.

Total

100%
(400%)

20.1
(80.4)%

30.15%
(60.3%)

1.   The TSR comparator group for the 2020 TIP Award was as follows: Africa Oil, Aker BP, Apache, Cairn Energy, Enquest, Genel Energy, Hess, Kosmos Energy, Lundin Petroleum, Nostrum Oil 

& Gas, Oil Search, Ophir Energy, Pharos Energy, Premier Oil, Seplat Petroleum, Santos and Woodside Petroleum.

2.   Details of the scorecard outcomes for each performance metric for Rahul Dhir and Les Wood are outlined in the tables included on pages 61 and 62. Rahul’s transitionary bonus 

arrangement for 2020 is outlined on page 59.

62

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Remuneration report continuedRahul Dhir – Buyout Awards granted in 2020
Following the commencement of employment on 1 July 2020, Rahul Dhir was granted a number of share awards (“Buyout Awards”) 
to replace share arrangements that were forfeited upon leaving his former employer (a summary is provided below).

The awards were granted pursuant to an individual arrangement as permitted by the shareholder approved Remuneration Policy 
and in accordance with Listing Rule 9.4.2.

The terms of the Buyout Awards were structured to broadly match the estimated value and expected time horizon (i.e. five years) 
of the forfeited awards. However, while the forfeited awards were technically uncapped, the Buyout Awards will be capped at a 
pre-tax gain of £5 per share. 

The grant of the Buyout Awards was conditional on Rahul Dhir purchasing shares in the Company with a value of £350,000 
(calculated by reference to the closing price of a share in the Company on the dealing day immediately prior to the date of 
purchase). Mr Dhir purchased 1,346,000 shares in the Company on 11 May 2020 (the “Purchased Shares”) and he is required 
to retain these shares in connection with the grant of the Buyout Awards.

A summary of the Buyout Awards granted to Rahul Dhir is as follows:

Date of grant

Tranche 
number

Number of 
shares under 
award

Face 
value of 
awards 1

Intrinsic 
value of
 awards 2

Exercise 
price

Vesting 
date

Exercise 
period

Vesting 
conditions 5

05/08/2020

Tranche 1

3,000,000

£830,400

£830,400

£nil

Tranche 2

3,000,000

£830,400

£60,600

Tranche 3

3,000,000

£830,400

£0

25.66p 3

51.32p 4

01.07.2025

01.07.2025 
to 
30.06.2030

Awards will vest 
subject to continued 
service and the 
retention of the 
Purchased Shares

1.  Based on a share price of 27.68p, being the share price on the date of grant (5 August 2020).

2.  Calculated as the share price at grant (27.68p) less the exercise price for the relevant tranche (or £0 where options are underwater).

3.  Being equal to the market value of a share at the close of trading on the dealing date immediately following the date on which the Purchased Shares were acquired.

4.  Being equal to twice the market value of a share at the close of trading on the dealing date immediately following the date on which the Purchased Shares 

were acquired.

5.  Standard provisions in respect of leavers, dividend equivalents and malus/clawback will apply. 

UK SIP shares awarded in 2020 (audited) 
The UK SIP is a tax-favoured all-employee plan that enables UK employees to save out of pre-tax salary. Quarterly contributions 
are used by the plan trustee to buy Tullow Oil plc shares (partnership shares). The Group funds an award of an equal number of 
shares (matching shares). The current maximum contribution is £150 per month. Shares held in the plan for five years will be 
free of income tax and national insurance, as well as Capital Gains tax if retained in the plan until sold. Details of shares 
purchased and awarded to Executive Directors under the UK SIP are as follows:

Director

Les Wood

Shares held 
01.01.20

Partnership 
shares acquired 
in year

Matching 
shares awarded 
in year

Total shares 
held 31.12.20 
(including dividend 
shares)

Dividend 
shares acquired 
in the year

SIP shares that
became 
unrestricted 
in year

Total unrestricted
 shares held at
31.12.20 1

5,353

9,732

9,732

24,817

0

770

1061

1.  Unrestricted shares (which are included in the total shares held at 31 December 2020) are those which no longer attract a tax liability if they are withdrawn from the plan.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

63

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEAnnual Report on Remuneration continued
Implementation of Policy for Executive Directors for 2021
The Remuneration Policy will be implemented during 2021 as follows:

 - base salaries will remain unchanged;

 - pension provision will be 15 per cent of salary for Rahul Dhir (workforce aligned) and 25 per cent of salary for Les Wood (noting 

that the cash value of his pension is frozen at this value and will be aligned to the workforce from 1 January 2023); and

 - TIP Award with a maximum opportunity of 400 per cent of salary based on:

 - safety (9.75 per cent);

 - working capital and cost management (9.75 per cent);

 - production (13 per cent);

 - Business Plan implementation (9.75 per cent);

 - capital structure (9.75 per cent);

 - sustainability (6.5 per cent);

 - leadership effectiveness (6.5 per cent); and

 - relative TSR (35 per cent) *.

*  This is a transitionary arrangement agreed for Rahul Dhir on his appointment and which the Committee agreed to apply to Les Wood for consistency and fairness. An adjusted TSR 

comparison period will also apply, with the starting period aligned to 2020.

Please see page 13 of this report for further disclosure and details of these targets and how they are linked to our strategy.

 - No changes will be made to the Chair nor the non-executive Director fees from 2020 levels. 

Looking forward to 2021
 - The Committee will continue to engage and consult with major shareholders on the suitability of the current Directors’ 

Remuneration Policy.

 - The Committee will seek feedback and confirmation with regard to the implementation of approved changes.

The Committee will continue to review the remuneration arrangements of the wider workforce when considering arrangements 
for Executives and Senior Management. 

Executive Director and non-executive Director terms of appointment

Non-executive Director

Rahul Dhir

Les Wood

Dorothy Thompson

Mike Daly

Martin Greenslade

Sheila Khama

Mitchell Ingram

Genevieve Sangudi

Jeremy Wilson

Number of
complete
years on
the Board

Year
appointed

Date of current
engagement
commenced

Expiry of
current term

2020

2017

2018

2014

2019

2019

2020

2019

2013

–

3

2

6

1

1

–

2

7

01.07.20

20.06.17

n/a

n/a

25.04.18

24.04.21

30.05.20

31.05.23

01.11.19

31.10.22

26.04.19

25.04.22

09.09.20

08.09.23

26.04.19

25.04.22

21.10.19

20.10.22

In the case of each non-executive Director, the appointment is renewable thereafter if agreed by the Director and the Board. The 
appointment of any non-executive Director may be terminated by either party on three months’ notice. There are no arrangements 
under which any non-executive Director is entitled to receive compensation upon the early termination of his or her appointment.

64

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Remuneration report continuedCEO – total pay versus TSR 
For 2020 the CEO total pay is based on the summation of the actual base pay, pension, benefits and TIP cash bonus and share 
award equivalent value for Rahul Dhir for the period commencing with his appointment on 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020.

CEO – TOTAL PAY VERSUS RI

TOTAL SHAREHOLDER RETURN 

Return index

120

96

72

48

24

0

CEO pay £000

5,000

350

4,000

3,000

2,000

1,000

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

0

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

 CEO total pay

 Return index

 Tullow 

 FTSE 250

Comparison of overall performance and pay
The Remuneration Committee has chosen to compare the TSR of the Company’s ordinary shares against the FTSE 250 index; 
whilst the Company is currently placed outside of the index, we believe the complexity of the organisation still makes this a 
comparable index. The values indicated in the graph above show the share price growth plus re-invested dividends for the period 
2011 to 2020 from a £100 hypothetical holding of ordinary shares in Tullow Oil plc and in the index.

The total remuneration figures for the Chief Executive during each of the last 10 financial years are shown in the tables below. 
The total remuneration figure includes the annual bonus based on that year’s performance (2012 to 2020), PSP awards based 
on three-year performance periods ending in the relevant year (2011 to 2012) and the value of TIP Awards based on the performance 
period ending in the relevant year (2013 to 2020). The annual bonus payout, PSP vesting level and TIP Award, as a percentage 
of the maximum opportunity, are also shown for each of these years. 

Year ending in

Aidan Heavey1

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Total 
remuneration

Annual bonus

PSP vesting

TIP

£4,688,541 £2,623,116 £2,750,273 £2,378,316 £2,835,709 £2,893,232 £1,717,276

80%

100%

–

70%

23%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

30%

23%

38%

39%

40%

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Year ending in

Paul McDade2

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Total 
remuneration

TIP

n/a

–

n/a

–

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a £1,416,281 £2,759,684 £986,706

n/a

40%

60.3%

0%

–

–

Dorothy Thompson3

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Total 
remuneration

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

37,704 418,452

Year ending in

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

65

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
 
Annual Report on Remuneration continued
Comparison of overall performance and pay continued

Year ending in

Rahul Dhir4

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Total 
remuneration

TIP

 n/a 

 n/a

 n/a 

 n/a

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a 

 n/a

 n/a

 n/a

 n/a

 n/a

686,519

 n/a

20%

1 & 2. For 2017, total remuneration figures are shown for Aidan Heavey based on the period he held the office of Chief Executive Officer and for the transition period 

up to 31 October 2017 and for Paul McDade from 27 April 2017 when he commenced in his office of Chief Executive.  

3. 

For 2020, total remuneration is shown for Dorothy Thompson for the period she served as Executive Chair, i.e 1 January 2020 to 8 September 2020. For 2019, 
the amount shown is the Executive Chair fee pro-rata for the period 9 December 2019 to 31 December 2019.

4. 

For 2020, total remuneration is shown for Rahul Dhir from the commencement of his appointment as Chief Executive Officer on 1 July 2020. 

Percentage change in Chief Executive’s remuneration
The table below shows the percentage change in the Chief Executive’s total remuneration (excluding the value of any pension 
benefits receivable in the year) between the financial year ended 31 December 2019 and 31 December 2020, compared to that 
of the average for all employees of the Group. Base pay and bonus have been annualised for Rahul Dhir for 2020.

Chief Executive

Average employees

Salary

(24.6%)

(2.7%) 3

% change from 2019 to 2020

Benefits

(94.2%) 1

11% 4

Bonus

n/a 2

(35.2%) 5

1.  Reduction in benefits is reflective of alignment of medical benefit for new CEO to the wider workforce and also a reduction of travel expenses.

2.  No cash bonus was receivable by Paul McDade for financial year 2019 due to Company performance.

3.  Decrease in average pay for all employees is driven by a decrease in headcount from 31.12.19 to 31.12.20, with some leavers being in the higher earnings category.

4. 

Increase in average employee benefits is driven by changes to annual medical insurance premiums.

5.  There was a decrease in the average employee bonus for year ended 31.12.20 due to changes to the employee bonus plan.

Additional statutory information – percentage change in remuneration for executive and non-executive Directors

% change from 2019 to 2020

Les Wood

Dorothy Thompson

Jeremy Wilson

Mike Daly

Martin Greenslade3

Mitchell Ingram

Genevieve Sangudi3

Sheila Khama3

Salary/fees

0%

59% 2

5%

0%

625%

n/a

46%

46%

Benefits

629% 1

n/a

(60%) 4

n/a

n/a

n/a

(83%) 4

(56%) 4

Bonus

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a

1. 

2. 

Increase in benefits for Les Wood is due to holiday cash out for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Increase in salary for Dorothy Thompson reflects an increase of her fees for stepping into the role of Executive Chair until 8 September 2020.

3.   Appointments were made during the course of 2019; therefore, the percentage change in fees recognises a full year in 2020 versus part of a year in 2019. 

In addition Martin Greenslade became Chair of the Audit Committee following the AGM on 23 April 2020.

4.  Benefits have reduced due to reduced travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

66

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Remuneration report continued 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CEO pay ratio 2020

Year

2020

2019

2018 (voluntary disclosure)

Method

25th percentile 
pay ratio

Median 
pay ratio

75th percentile 
pay ratio

A

A

A

7:1

8:1

23:1

5:1

5:1

15:1

3:1

4:1

10:1

In response to the CEO pay ratio requirements established by the Companies (Miscellaneous Reporting) Regulations 2018, Tullow 
has undertaken to adopt the calculation of a CEO pay ratio to compare the single total figure of remuneration (STFR) for the CEO 
to the STFR of all UK employees. This has been calculated using the methodology described as ‘Option A’ in the Regulations, as 
Tullow recognises that this is the most statistically accurate form of calculation.

For the CEO the STFR reflects the actual remuneration receivable from date of commencement in 2020. For each UK employee1 
the STFR has been calculated as a summation of base pay, benefits, employer pension contributions receivable during the year ended 
31 December 2020 and cash bonus payable and value of share awards to be granted for the performance year 31 December 2020.

The STFR at 25th percentile is £95,542, £147,263 at median and £210,987 at 75th percentile. The wages component at 25th percentile 
is £76,500, £115,500 at median and £163,276 at 75th percentile. In setting both our CEO remuneration and the remuneration 
structures for the wider UK workforce, Tullow has adopted a remuneration structure which includes the same core components 
for employees at all levels (base pay, benefits, pension, cash bonus and share awards). Whilst all employees receive a base salary 
commensurate to our position in the market, the differences exist in the quantum of variable pay achievable by our Executives 
and Senior Management; at these levels there is a greater emphasis placed on variable pay given their opportunity to impact 
directly on Company performance. Based on this distinction, the Company believe taking into account Company performance in 
a particular financial year and the impact on variable pay, that the median pay ratio is consistent with and reflective of the wider 
pay, reward and progression policies impacting our UK employees. Performance for 2020 is not easily comparable to 2019 as: 
1. Rahul Dhir was appointed at the beginning of the second half of 2020; and 2. no bonus was awarded to the CEO in 2019. 
The Committee will monitor longer term trends.

1.  All STFRs have been based on a full-time equivalent and annualised to provide a dataset for the full year 31 December 2020. Tullow would like to build on this 

reporting in future years by looking at the same dataset for employees globally to determine a global CEO pay ratio.

Relative importance of spend on pay 
The following table shows the Group’s actual spend on pay for all employees relative to tax and retained profits.

Staff costs have been compared to tax expense, and retained profits in order to provide a measure of their scale compared to 
other key elements of the Group’s financial metrics.

Staff costs (£m)
Dividends
Tax (credit)/expense (£m)1
Retained profits (£m)1

1.  Voluntary disclosure.

2019

2020

% change

156.4
0
31.9
(904.8)

105.0
0
(35.9)
(1,735.9)

-33%
0
-212%
-48%

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

67

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Annual Report on Remuneration continued
Summary of past share awards
Details of share awards granted to Executive Directors : 

Director

Les Wood1

Dividend equivalents

08.02.18

14.02.19

08.02.18

14.02.19

Award grant 
date

Share price on 
grant date

27.04.17

08.02.18

14.02.19

10.05.19

10.05.19

17.10.19

17.10.19

214p

187p

219p

187p

219p

187p

219p

As at
 01.01.20

101,249

148,802

288,617

2,605

5,052

1,372

2,661

550,358

Granted 
during 
the year

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Exercised 
during 
the year

101,249

–

–

–

–

–

–

As at 
31.12.20

Earliest date 
shares can be
acquired 

Latest date
 shares can 
be acquired 

0

27.04.20

27.07.27

148,802

288,617

08.02.23

08.02.28

14.02.24

14.02.29

2,605

5,052

1,372

2,661

08.02.23

08.02.28

14.02.24

14.02.29

08.02.23

08.02.28

14.02.24

14.02.29

101,249

449,109

Rahul Dhir2

05.08.20

27.68p

9,000,000

–

9,000,000

01.07.25

30.06.30

1.  Les Wood – all awards granted to Les Wood are TIP Awards. Those granted on 27 April 2017 prior to appointment as an Executive Director have a three-year vesting period.

2.   Rahul Dhir – share awards granted on 05 August 2020 represent “Buy-out Awards” to replace share arrangements that were forfeited upon on leaving his former employer.

Share price range
During 2020, the highest mid-market price of the Company’s shares was 62.30p and the lowest was 7.55p. The year-end price 
was 31.02p.

Directors’ interests in the share capital of the Company (audited) 
The interests of the Directors (all of which were beneficial), who held office during FY 2020, are set out in the table below: 

Ordinary shares held

01.01.20

31.12.20

% of salary 
under 2020
 Remuneration
Policy
shareholding
guidelines 1

TIP Awards

Buyout Awards

SIP

SIP total

Unvested

Vested

Unvested

Vested

Restricted Unrestricted

31.12.20

Executive Directors

Rahul Dhir2

– 1,346,000

172%

 –

Les Wood

144,919

 198,457

 29%  449,109

Non-executive Directors

Mike Daly

 4,795

 4,795

Steve Lucas

 720

 720

Dorothy 
Thompson

 68,148

 68,148 

Jeremy Wilson

87,959

 87,959

Genevieve 
Sangudi

Sheila Khama

Martin 
Greenslade

Mitchell Ingram

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

9,000,000

–

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

–

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

–

–

–

23,756

 1,061

24,817

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 –

 4,795

 720

68,148

 87,959

 –

 –

 –

 –

1.  Calculated using share price of 31.02p at year end. Under the Company’s shareholding guidelines, each Executive Director is required to build up their shareholdings in the 
Company’s shares to at least 400 per cent of their current salary. Further details of the minimum shareholding requirement are set out in the Remuneration Policy Report.

2.  Ordinary shares and unvested awards held by Rahul Dhir are in respect of his Buyout Award detailed on page 63.

On 5 January 2021 Les Wood was awarded 5,890 SIP shares, all of which are restricted. Accounting for certain restricted SIP 
shares becoming unrestricted SIP shares in the period between 1 January 2021 and the date of this report, Les Wood holds 
29,646 restricted SIP shares and 1,061 unrestricted SIP shares (total 30,707).

There have been no other changes in the interests of any Director between 1 January 2021 and the date of this report.

68

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Remuneration report continued 
 
 
 
 
Governance
Remuneration Committee members
Jeremy Wilson (Committee member for full year and 
Committee Chair from 25 April 2019), Mike Daly, Genevieve 
Sangudi and Mitchell Ingram (from 9 September 2020).

Remuneration Committee membership and attendance
All members of the Committee are independent non-executive 
Directors. None of the Committee members has day-to-day 
involvement with the business and nor do they have any 
personal financial interest, except as shareholders, in the 
matters to be recommended. The number of formal meetings 
held and the attendance by each member is shown in the table 
on page 42. The Committee also held informal discussions as 
required. The Group Company Secretary acts as Secretary to 
the Committee and is available to assist the members of the 
Committee as required, ensuring that timely and accurate 
information is distributed accordingly.

Advice received from the Committee during 2020
During 2020, the Committee consulted the Executive Directors 
and Senior Managers about remuneration items relating to 
individuals other than themselves. The Company Secretary 
and the Committee’s consultants also provided corporate 
governance guidance support to the Committee. 

The Committee received external advice from FIT 
Remuneration Consultants LLP (FIT) during 2020 in respect 
of the implementation of the Policy. FIT was appointed as the 
Committee’s advisors in 2019 following a competitive tender 
process. FIT is a member of the Remuneration Consultants 
Group and is a signatory to its Code of Conduct and provided 
no other services to the Company. Fees (ex VAT) paid to FIT 
respectively for advice provided during 2020 amounted to 
£58,007. FIT does not provide any other services and does not 
have any other connections to the Company or the Directors 
that may affect its independence. The Committee evaluates 
the services provided by external advisors and is satisfied that 
the advice received from FIT was objective and independent. 

Activities of the Committee during 2020
A summary of the main Committee activities during 2020 are 
set out below:

 - setting an appropriately stretching set of key performance 

metrics for the 2020 KPI scorecard;

 - monitoring progress against the 2020 KPI scorecard;

 - reviewing feedback received from shareholders at the 

2020 AGM;

 - review of changes in remuneration-related guidance, 

shareholder policies and governance matters;

 - arrangement and approval of the remuneration 

arrangements for the appointment of the CEO, Rahul Dhir;

 - reviewing the remuneration arrangements for Senior 

Managers, including benchmarking and approval of the 
interim package for the Executive Chair, Dorothy Thompson;

 - deep dive review of the pay philosophy and remuneration 
arrangements for the wider workforce and as part of the 
new “Employee Value Proposition”; 

 - review of the Committee’s performance and terms of 

reference; and

 - review of draft KPIs for 2021 to align with strategy and 

culture of Tullow.

Principles of Executive Director remuneration 
The Committee seeks to ensure that the Directors Remuneration 
Policy and its practices are consistent with the six factors set 
out in Provision 40 of the new UK Corporate Governance Code:

Clarity
Our Policy is well understood by our Senior Executive Team 
and has been clearly articulated to our shareholders and 
representative bodies (both on an ongoing basis and during 
the recent consultation exercise).

Simplicity
The Committee is mindful of the need to avoid overly complex 
remuneration structures which can be misunderstood and 
deliver unintended outcomes. Therefore, a key objective of 
the Committee is to ensure that our Executive remuneration 
policies and practices are straightforward to communicate 
and operate.

Risk
Our Policy has been designed to ensure that inappropriate 
risk taking is discouraged and will not be rewarded via: 
(i) the balanced use of both annual and three-year 
performance periods which employ a blend of financial, 
non-financial and shareholder return targets; (ii) the 
significant role played by deferred equity in our incentive 
plans (together with in-employment and post-cessation 
shareholding guidelines and five-year vesting period); 
(iii) malus/clawback provisions; and (iv) the ability to 
exercise negative discretion to remuneration outcomes.

Predictability 
The TIP is subject to an individual annual cap and market 
standard dilution limits.

Proportionality
There is a clear link between individual awards, delivery 
of strategy and our long term performance. In addition, 
the significant role played by incentive/‘at-risk’ pay, together 
with the structure of the Executive Directors’ service 
contracts, ensures that poor performance is not rewarded.

Alignment to culture
Our Executive pay policies are fully aligned to Tullow’s culture 
through the use of metrics in the TIP that measure how we 
perform against our financial and non-financial KPIs.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

69

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEGovernance continued
Shareholder voting at the AGM
At last year’s AGM on 23 April 2020 the remuneration-related resolutions received the following votes from shareholders:

For

Against

Total votes cast (for and against)

Votes withheld

For

Against

Total votes cast (for and against)

Votes withheld

2019 Annual Statement and Annual Report on Remuneration

Total number of votes

% of votes cast

748,414,114

24,076,424

772,490,538

17,233,685

96.88%

3.12%

54.83%

To approve the Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Total number of votes

% of votes cast

771,383,323

18,154,399

789,537,722

191,032

97.70%

2.30%

56.04%

70

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Remuneration report continued 
 
Directors’ Remuneration Policy
This part of the Directors’ Remuneration Policy sets out a summary of the Remuneration Policy for the Company which became 
effective following approval from shareholders through a binding vote at the AGM held on 23 April 2020. The full Policy can be 
found in last year’s report. 

Policy overview
The principles of the Remuneration Committee are to ensure that remuneration is linked to Tullow’s strategy and promote the 
attraction, motivation and retention of the highest quality executives who are key to delivering sustainable long term value 
growth and substantial returns to shareholders.

Summary Directors’ Remuneration Policy

Base salary

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

To provide an appropriate level of 
fixed cash income.

To attract and retain individuals 
with the personal attributes, skills 
and experience required to deliver 
our strategy.

Generally reviewed annually with increases normally 
effective from 1 January. Base salaries will be set by 
the Committee taking into account:

 - the scale, scope and responsibility of the role;

 - the skills and experience of the individual;

 - the base salary of other employees, including 

increases awarded to the wider population; and

 - the base salary of individuals undertaking similar 

roles in companies of comparable size and 
complexity. This may include international oil and 
gas sector companies or a broader group of 
FTSE-listed organisations.

Any increases to current Executive Director 
salaries, presented in the ‘Application of Policy 
in 2020’ column below this Policy table, will not 
normally exceed the average increase awarded 
to other UK-based employees. 

Increases may be above this level in certain 
circumstances, for instance if there is an 
increase in the scale, scope or responsibility 
of the role or to allow the base salary of newly 
appointed Executives to move towards market 
norms as their experience and contribution 
increase.

Performance and provisions for the recovery

A broad assessment of individual and business performance is used as part of the salary review. 

No recovery provisions apply.

Pension and benefits

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

To attract and retain individuals 
with the personal attributes, skills 
and experience required to deliver 
our strategy.

Defined contribution pension scheme or salary 
supplement in lieu of pension. The Company does 
not operate or have any legacy defined benefit 
pension schemes.

Pension: Workforce aligned for new Executive 
Directors. Workforce aligned (as a percentage 
of salary) by 1 January 2023 for incumbent 
Directors.

Medical insurance, income protection and life 
assurance. Additional benefits may be provided 
as appropriate. 

Executive Directors may participate in the Tullow UK 
Share Incentive Plan (SIP).

Benefits: The range of benefits that may 
be provided is set by the Committee after 
taking into account local market practice in 
the country where the Executive is based. 
No monetary maximum is given for benefits 
provided to the Executive Directors as the cost 
will depend on individual circumstances.

Tullow UK SIP: Up to HM Revenue & Customs 
(HMRC) limits. Maximum participation levels 
and matching levels for all staff, including 
Executive Directors, are set by reference to 
the rules of the plan and relevant legislation.

Performance and provisions for the recovery

Not applicable.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

71

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEDirectors’ Remuneration Policy continued
Summary Directors’ Remuneration Policy continued

Tullow Incentive Plan (TIP)

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

To provide a simple, competitive, 
performance-linked incentive 
plan that:

 - aligns the interests of 

management and shareholders;

 - promotes the long term 
success of the Company;

 - provides a real incentive to 

achieve our strategic objectives 
and deliver superior 
shareholder returns; and

 - will attract, retain and motivate 
individuals with the required 
personal attributes, skills 
and experience.

An annual TIP Award consisting of up to 400 per cent 
of base salary which is divided evenly between cash 
and deferred shares up to the first 200 per cent of 
base salary. 

Any amount above 200 per cent of base salary is 
awarded entirely in deferred shares.

Deferred shares are normally subject to deferral 
until the fifth anniversary of grant, normally subject 
to continued service. 

TIP Awards are non-pensionable and will be made in 
line with the Committee’s assessment of 
performance targets.

At the discretion of the Committee, any portion of the 
cash component of a TIP Award can be satisfied by 
granting deferred shares with a vesting date set by 
the Committee being not earlier than the first 
anniversary of grant.

Maximum opportunity

400 per cent of salary.

Dividend equivalents will accrue on TIP deferred 
shares over the vesting period.

Performance and provisions for the recovery

A balanced scorecard of stretching financial and operational objectives, linked to the achievement of Tullow’s long term strategy, will be used 
to assess TIP outcomes which may include targets relating to: relative or absolute Total Shareholder Return (TSR); earnings per share (EPS); 
environmental, health and safety (EHS); financial; production; operations; project; exploration; or specific strategic and personal objectives. 

Performance will typically be measured over one year for all measures apart from TSR and EPS, which, if adopted, will normally be measured 
over the three financial years prior to grant. 

No more than 25 per cent of the maximum TIP opportunity will be payable for threshold performance. 

Maximum opportunity

400 per cent of salary.

Recovery provisions apply (see below).

Shareholding guidelines

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

To align the interests of 
management and shareholders 
and promote a long term 
approach to performance and 
risk management.

Executive Directors are required to retain at least 100 
per cent of post-tax share awards until a minimum 
shareholding equivalent to 400 per cent of base salary 
is achieved in owned shares. 

Unvested TIP shares net of applicable taxes count 
towards the minimum shareholding requirement.

Shares included in this calculation are those held 
beneficially by the Executive Director and his or her 
spouse/civil partner. 

From the 2020 AGM, 50 per cent of the shareholding 
guideline (i.e. 200 per cent of salary) will need to 
be retained by Executive Directors for two years 
post cessation.

Performance and provisions for the recovery

Not applicable.

72

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Remuneration report continuedNon-executive Directors

Purpose and link to strategy

Operation

Maximum opportunity

To provide an appropriate fee level 
to attract individuals with the 
necessary experience and ability 
to make a significant contribution 
to the Group’s activities while also 
reflecting the time commitment 
and responsibility of the role.

The Chair is paid an annual fee and the non-executive 
Directors are paid a base fee and additional 
responsibility fees for the role of Senior Independent 
Director or for chairing a Board Committee.

Fees are normally reviewed annually.

Each non-executive Director is also entitled 
to a reimbursement of necessary travel and 
other expenses including associated tax costs.

Non-executive Directors do not participate in any 
share scheme or annual bonus scheme and are not 
eligible to join the Group’s pension schemes.

Non-executive Director remuneration is 
determined within the limits set by the Articles 
of Association.

There is no maximum prescribed fee increase 
although fee increases for non-executive 
Directors will not normally exceed the average 
increase awarded to Executive Directors. 
Increases may be above this level if there is an 
increase in the scale, scope or responsibility of 
the role.

Deferred shares issued in lieu of any portion of the cash 
bonus component of a TIP Award shall be subject to malus, 
clawback and the minimum shareholding requirements set 
out on page 72 of this report. 

Approval
This report was approved by the Board of Directors on 
9 March 2021 and signed on its behalf by:

Jeremy Wilson
Chair of the Remuneration Committee

9 March 2021

Performance and provisions for the recovery

Not applicable.

Calculation of TIP Awards
In addition to base salary and other benefits described in the 
Remuneration Policy, each Executive Director shall be eligible 
to receive an award issued under the rules of the TIP (a TIP 
Award). The TIP combines short- and long term incentive-based 
pay and includes a cash bonus component and a deferred 
share award component.

At the beginning of each financial year, the Committee will 
determine a multiple of base salary, subject to the limits 
established under this Policy, to apply to a TIP Award. At the 
same time the Committee will also determine a balanced 
corporate scorecard of performance metrics applicable to 
any TIP Award. The choice of the performance metrics and 
the weightings given to them, which are set by the Committee 
at the start of the relevant financial year normally, reflect the 
Committee’s belief that any incentive compensation should be 
appropriately challenging and tied to the delivery of stretching 
financial, operational and Total Shareholder Return (TSR) 
related objectives, explicitly linked to the achievement of 
Tullow’s long term strategy.

Following completion of the financial year, the Committee 
will review the Company’s performance against the corporate 
scorecard resulting in a percentage score. The multiple set 
by the Committee is then applied to the percentage score to 
determine the total TIP Award amount. A TIP Award is divided 
equally between cash bonus and deferred shares up to the 
first 200 per cent of base salary. Any portion of a TIP Award 
above 200 per cent of base salary shall be satisfied in deferred 
shares only. Deferred shares forming part of a TIP Award are 
normally deferred for five years and are subject to malus and 
clawback. In its discretion, the Committee may elect to satisfy 
any portion of the cash bonus element of a TIP Award in deferred 
shares which will be deferred for a period determined by the 
Committee, being not less than one year from the date of grant. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

73

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEOther statutory information

The Directors present their Annual Report and audited 
Financial Statements for the Group for the year ended 
31 December 2020.

Principal activities
Tullow is an independent oil and gas, exploration and 
production group, quoted on the London, Euronext Dublin 
and Ghanaian stock exchanges. The Group has interests in 
53 exploration and production licences across 11 countries.

Strategic Report 
The Group is required by section 414A of the Companies Act 
2006 to present a Strategic Report in the Annual Report. 
This can be found on pages 1 to 39. The Strategic Report 
contains an indication of the Directors’ view on likely future 
developments in the business of the Group. In addition, 
following the introduction of the EU Non-Financial Reporting 
Directive, the Strategic Report also provides direction on 
where information on the impact of activities on employees, 
social and environmental matters, human rights and 
anti-corruption and anti-bribery matters can be found 
within the Annual Report and Financial Statements, as well 
as a description of the Group’s policies and where these are 
located. The Corporate Governance Report on pages 40 to 77 
is the corporate governance statement for the purposes 
of Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rule 7.2.1. 
The Annual Report and Financial Statements use financial 
and non-financial KPIs wherever possible and appropriate. 

Results and dividends
The loss on ordinary activities after taxation of the Group 
for the year ended 31 December 2020 was $1,222 million 
(2019: loss of $1,694 million).

In 2020, the Board recommended that no interim and final 
dividend would be paid.

Subsequent events since 31 December 2020
In January, Tullow and the lenders under the RBL facility 
agreed to an extension of the January 2021 redetermination 
date by up to one month to the end of February 2021 to allow 
for additional time to review Tullow’s new Business Plan and 
operating strategy.

Share capital
As at 9 March 2020, the Company had an allotted and fully 
paid up share capital of 1,419,087,306 ordinary shares each 
with a nominal value of £0.10.

Substantial shareholdings 
As at 31 December 2020, the Company had been notified in 
accordance with the requirements of provision 5.1.2 of the 
Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and 
Transparency Rules of the following significant holdings 
in the Company’s ordinary share capital:

Shareholder

Number of shares

% of issued 
capital (as at 
date of 
notification)

Petrolin Group  
(Samuel Dossou-Aworet)

Azvalor Asset Management 
S.G.I.I.C., S.A.

RWC Asset Management LLP

M&G Plc 

Summerhill Trust Company 
(Isle of Man) Limited

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

1,408,609,725

13.07%

72,415,971

71,022,015

73,686,244

58,838,104

6,585,803

5.13%

5.09%

5.23%

4.19%

4.18%

As at 9 March 2021, the Company had been notified in 
accordance with the requirements of provision 5.1.2 of the 
Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance and 
Transparency Rules of the following significant holdings in the 
Company’s ordinary share capital since 31 December 2020:

Shareholder

Number of shares

% of issued 
capital (as at 
date of 
notification)

Azvalor Asset Management 
S.G.I.I.C., S.A.

M&G Plc

99,431,259

7.014%

(undisclosed 
– below 
threshold)

Less than 
5% 

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc

Below 3% of voting rights

74

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Shareholders’ rights
The rights and obligations of shareholders are set out in the 
Company’s Articles of Association (which can be amended by 
special resolution). The rights and obligations attaching to the 
Company’s shares are as follows:

 - dividend rights – holders of the Company’s shares may, by 
ordinary resolution, declare dividends but may not declare 
dividends in excess of the amount recommended by the 
Directors. The Directors may also pay interim dividends. 
No dividend may be paid other than out of profits available 
for distribution. Subject to shareholder approval, payment 
or satisfaction of a dividend may be made wholly or partly 
by distribution of specific assets;

 - voting rights – voting at any general meeting may be 

conducted by a show of hands unless a poll is duly demanded. 
On a show of hands every shareholder who is present in 
person at a general meeting (and every proxy or corporate 
representative appointed by a shareholder and present at a 
general meeting) has one vote regardless of the number of 
shares held by the shareholder (or represented by the proxy 
or corporate representative). If a proxy has been appointed 
by more than one shareholder and has been instructed by 
one or more of those shareholders to vote ‘for’ the resolution 
and by one or more of those shareholders to vote ‘against’ a 
particular resolution, the proxy shall have one vote for and 
one vote against that resolution. On a poll, every shareholder 
who is present in person has one vote for every share held 
by that shareholder and a proxy has one vote for every share 
in respect of which he has been appointed as proxy (the 
deadline for exercising voting rights by proxy is set out 
in the form of proxy). On a poll, a corporate representative 
may exercise all the powers of the Company that has 
authorised him; 

 A poll may be demanded by any of the following: (a) the 
Chairman of the meeting; (b) at least five shareholders 
entitled to vote and present in person or by proxy or 
represented by a duly authorised corporate representative 
at the meeting; (c) any shareholder or shareholders present 
in person or by proxy or represented by a duly authorised 
corporate representative and holding shares or being a 
representative in respect of a holder of shares representing 
in the aggregate not less than one-tenth of the total voting 

rights of all shareholders entitled to attend and vote at the 
meeting; or (d) any shareholder or shareholders present in 
person or by proxy or represented by a duly authorised 
corporate representative and holding shares or being a 
representative in respect of a holder of shares conferring a 
right to attend and vote at the meeting on which there have 
been paid up sums in the aggregate equal to not less than 
one-tenth of the total sums paid up on all the shares 
conferring that right;

 - return of capital – in the event of the liquidation of the 

Company, after payment of all liabilities and deductions 
taking priority, the balance of assets available for distribution 
will be distributed among the holders of ordinary shares 
according to the amounts paid up on the shares held by 
them. A liquidator may, with the authority of a special 
resolution, divide among the shareholders the whole or any 
part of the Company’s assets, or vest the Company’s assets 
in whole or in part in trustees upon such trusts for the 
benefit of shareholders, but no shareholder is compelled to 
accept any property in respect of which there is a liability;

 - control rights under employee share schemes – the 

Company operates a number of employee share schemes. 
Under some of these arrangements, shares are held by 
trustees on behalf of employees. The employees are not 
entitled to exercise directly any voting or other control 
rights. The trustees will generally vote in accordance with 
employees’ instructions and abstain where no instructions 
are received. Unallocated shares are generally voted at the 
discretion of the trustees; and

 - restrictions on holding securities – there are no restrictions 
under the Company’s Articles of Association or under UK 
law that either restrict the rights of UK resident shareholders 
to hold shares or limit the rights of non-resident or foreign 
shareholders to hold or vote the Company’s ordinary shares.

There are no UK foreign exchange control restrictions on the 
payment of dividends to US persons on the Company’s 
ordinary shares.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

75

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE 
Other statutory information continued

Material agreements containing ‘change of control’ provisions
The following significant agreements will, in the event of a 
‘change of control’ of the Company, be affected as follows:

 - to the extent that a ‘change of control’ occurs as a result of 

any person, or group of persons acting in concert (as 
defined in the City Code on Takeovers and Mergers), gaining 
control of the Company:

 - under the $2.2 billion senior secured revolving credit 

facility agreement between, among others, the Company 
and certain subsidiaries of the Company, Natixis, BNP 
Paribas, Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, 
Lloyds Bank plc, ING Bank N.V., DNB Bank ASA and The 
Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and the lenders 
specified therein; 

 - the Company is obliged to notify the agent (who notifies the 

lenders) upon the occurrence of a change of control; 

 - if any lender so requires, it may cancel its commitments 
immediately and demand repayment of all outstanding 
amounts owed by the Company and certain subsidiaries 
of the Company to it under the agreement and any 
connected finance document. So long as such lender 
states its requirement to be repaid within 20 business 
days of being notified by the agent (such period being the 
‘notice period’), the repayment amount will become due 
and payable by no later than 10 business days after the 
end of such notice period and, in respect of each letter of 
credit issued under the agreement, full cash cover will be 
required by no later than 10 business days after the end 
of such notice period; 

 - to the extent that a ‘change of control’ occurs, in general 
terms, as a result of: (i) a disposal of all or substantially 
all the properties or assets of the Company and all its 
restricted subsidiaries (other than through a merger or 
consolidation) in one or a series of related transactions; 
(ii) a plan being adopted relating to the liquidation or 
dissolution of the Company; or (iii) any person becoming 
the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of shares of the 
Company which grant that person more than 50 per cent 
of the voting rights of the Company;

 - under an indenture relating to $650 million of 6.25 per cent 
Senior Notes due in 2022 between, among others, the 
Company, certain subsidiaries of the Company and 
Deutsche Trustee Company Limited as the Trustee, 
the Company must make an offer to noteholders to 
repurchase all the notes at 101 per cent of the aggregate 
principal amount of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid 
interest in the event that a change of control of the 
Company occurs. The repurchase offer must be made 
by the Company to all noteholders within 30 days 
following the change of control and the repurchase 
must take place no earlier than 10 days and no later 
than 60 days from the date the repurchase offer is 
made. Each noteholder may take up the offer in respect 
of all or part of its notes; and under an indenture 

76

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

relating to $800 million of 7 per cent Senior Notes due 
in 2025 between, among others, the Company, certain 
subsidiaries of the Company and Deutsche Trustee 
Company Limited as the Trustee, the Company must 
make an offer to noteholders to repurchase all the 
notes at 101 per cent of the aggregate principal amount 
of the notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest in the 
event that a change of control of the Company occurs. 
The repurchase offer must be made by the Company to 
all noteholders within 30 days following the change of 
control and the repurchase must take place no earlier 
than 10 days and no later than 60 days from the date 
the repurchase offer is made. Each noteholder may 
take up the offer in respect of all or part of its notes; and

 - to the extent that a ‘change of control’ occurs, in general 
terms, as a result of: (i) any person or persons, acting 
together, acquiring or becoming entitled to more than 
50 per cent of the voting rights of the Company; or (ii) an 
offer being made to all of the Company’s shareholders to 
acquire all or a majority of the issued ordinary share capital 
of the Company (or such offeror proposing a scheme of 
arrangement with regard to such acquisition, and thereby 
becoming entitled to exercise more than 50 per cent of the 
voting rights of the Company):

 - under a trust deed constituting $300 million of 6.625 per cent 
guaranteed convertible bonds due in 2021 (‘the Convertible 
Bonds’) between, among others, the Company, certain 
subsidiaries of the Company and Deutsche Trustee 
Company Limited as the Trustee, the bondholders shall 
have the right to require the Company to: (i) convert, in 
accordance with a formula specified in the trust deed, 
the Convertible Bonds into preference shares in the 
Company, which in turn will be exchanged by the Company 
for ordinary shares; or (ii) redeem the Convertible Bonds 
at their principal amount, together with accrued and 
unpaid interest at the date of the change of control event. 
The Company is required to give the Trustee notice of the 
occurrence of an event constituting a change of control 
within five calendar days of the occurrence of such event, 
and the bondholders shall thereafter have 60 calendar 
days in which to exercise the election referred to above. 
If the bondholders elect to redeem the Convertible Bonds, 
the Company is required to make payment of this amount 
14 business days after receiving notification of such election. 

Directors
The biographical details of the Directors of the Company 
at the date of this report are given on pages 46 and 47. 

Details of Directors’ service agreements and letters of 
appointment can be found on page 64. Details of the Directors’ 
interests in the ordinary shares of the Company and in the 
Group’s long term incentive and other share option schemes 
are set out on page 68 in the Directors’ Remuneration Report.

Directors’ indemnities and insurance cover 
As at the date of this report, indemnities are in force under 
which the Company has agreed to indemnify the Directors, 
to the extent permitted by the Companies Act 2006, against 
claims from third parties in respect of certain liabilities 
arising out of, or in connection with, the execution of their 
powers, duties and responsibilities as Directors of the 
Company or any of its subsidiaries. The Directors are 
also indemnified against the cost of defending a criminal 
prosecution or a claim by the Company, its subsidiaries or 
a regulator provided that where the defence is unsuccessful 
the Director must repay those defence costs. The Company 
also maintains directors’ and officers’ liability insurance cover, 
the level of which is reviewed annually.

Conflicts of interest
A Director has a duty to avoid a situation in which he or she has, 
or can have, a direct or indirect interest that conflicts, or possibly 
may conflict, with the interests of the Group. The Board requires 
Directors to declare all appointments and other situations that 
could result in a possible conflict of interest and has adopted 
appropriate procedures to manage and, if appropriate, approve 
any such conflicts. The Board is satisfied that there is no 
compromise to the independence of those Directors who have 
appointments on the boards of, or relationships with, companies 
outside the Group.

Powers of Directors
The general powers of the Directors are set out in Article 104 
of the Articles of Association of the Company. It provides that 
the business of the Company shall be managed by the Board 
which may exercise all the powers of the Company whether 
relating to the management of the business of the Company 
or not. This power is subject to any limitations imposed on the 
Company by applicable legislation. It is also limited by the 
provisions of the Articles of Association of the Company and 
any directions given by special resolution of the shareholders 
of the Company which are applicable on the date that any 
power is exercised.

Please note the following specific provisions relevant to the 
exercise of power by the Directors:

 - Pre-emptive rights and new issues of shares – the holders 
of ordinary shares have no pre-emptive rights under the 
Articles of Association of the Company. However, the ability 
of the Directors to cause the Company to issue shares, 
securities convertible into shares or rights to shares, 
otherwise than pursuant to an employee share scheme, is 
restricted under the Companies Act 2006 which provides 
that the directors of a company are, with certain exceptions, 
unable to allot any equity securities without express 
authorisation, which may be contained in a company’s 
articles of association or given by its shareholders in 
general meeting, but which in either event cannot last for 
more than five years. Under the Companies Act 2006, the 
Company may also not allot shares for cash (otherwise than 
pursuant to an employee share scheme) without first 

making an offer on a pre-emptive basis to existing 
shareholders, unless this requirement is waived by a 
special resolution of the shareholders. 

 - Repurchase of shares – subject to authorisation by shareholder 
resolution, the Company may purchase its own shares in 
accordance with the Companies Act 2006. Any shares that 
have been bought back may be held as treasury shares or 
must be cancelled immediately upon completion of the 
purchase. The Company received authority at the last 
Annual General Meeting to purchase up to a maximum of 
140,847,235 ordinary shares. The authority lasts until the 
earlier of the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting of 
the Company in 2021 or 30 June 2021.

 - Borrowing powers – the net external borrowings of the 

Group outstanding at any time shall not exceed an amount 
equal to four times the aggregate of the Group’s adjusted 
capital and reserves calculated in the manner prescribed 
in Article 105 of the Company’s Articles of Association, 
unless sanctioned by an ordinary resolution of the 
Company’s shareholders.

Appointment and replacement of Directors
The Company shall appoint (disregarding Alternate Directors) 
no fewer than two and no more than 15 Directors. The 
appointment and replacement of Directors may be made 
as follows:

 - the shareholders may by ordinary resolution elect any 

person who is willing to act to be a Director;

 - the Board may elect any person who is willing to act to be a 
Director. Any Director so appointed shall hold office only 
until the next Annual General Meeting and shall then be 
eligible for election;

 - each Director is required in terms of the Articles of 

Association to retire from office at the third Annual General 
Meeting after the Annual General Meeting at which he or 
she was last elected or re-elected, although he or she may 
be re-elected by ordinary resolution if eligible and willing. 
However, to comply with the principles of best corporate 
governance, the Board intends that each Director will 
submit him or herself for re-election on an annual basis;

 - the Company may by special resolution remove any Director 
before the expiration of his or her period of office or may, by 
ordinary resolution, remove a Director where special notice 
has been given and the necessary statutory procedures are 
complied with; and

 - there are a number of other grounds on which a Director’s 
office may cease, namely voluntary resignation, where all 
the other Directors (being at least three in number) request 
his or her resignation, where he or she suffers physical or 
mental incapacity, where he or she is absent from meetings 
of the Board without permission of the Board for six 
consecutive months, becomes bankrupt or compounds with 
his or her creditors or where he or she is prohibited by law 
from being a Director.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

77

CORPORATE GOVERNANCEOther statutory information continued

Encouraging diversity in our workforce
Tullow is committed to eliminating discrimination and 
encouraging diversity amongst its workforce. Decisions 
related to recruitment selection, development or promotion 
are based upon merit and ability to adequately meet the 
requirements of the job, and are not influenced by factors 
such as gender, marital status, race, ethnic origin, colour, 
nationality, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability.

Auditor and disclosure of relevant audit information
Having made the requisite enquiries, so far as the Directors 
are aware, there is no relevant audit information (as defined 
by section 418(3) of the Companies Act 2006) of which the 
Company’s auditor is unaware and each Director has taken all 
steps that ought to have been taken to make him or herself 
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that 
the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

We want our workforce to be truly representative of all 
sections of society and for all our employees to feel respected 
and able to reach their potential. Our commitment to these 
aims and detailed approach are set out in Tullow’s Code of 
Ethical Conduct and Equal Opportunities Policy. 

A resolution to appoint Ernst & Young as the Company’s 
auditor will be proposed at the 2021 AGM. The date and time 
of the Annual General Meeting will be confirmed in due 
course. More information can be found in the Audit 
Committee Report on page 52.

We aim to provide an optimal working environment to suit the 
needs of all employees, including those of employees with 
disabilities. For employees who become disabled during their 
time with the Group, Tullow will provide support to help them 
remain safely in continuous employment.

Employee involvement and engagement
We use a range of methods to inform and consult with 
employees about significant business issues and our 
performance. These include webcasts, the Group’s intranet 
and town hall meetings. In 2019, we established workforce 
Tullow Advisory Panel (TAP) in conjunction with existing 
means to continue engaging with our workforce. Further 
details on the TAP and employee engagement are described 
on page 48 of this report.

We have an employee share plan for all permanent employees, 
which gives employees a direct interest in the business’ success.

Political donations
In line with Group policy, no donations were made for 
political purposes.

Corporate responsibility
The Group works to achieve high standards of environmental, 
health and safety management. Our performance in these 
areas can be found on pages 26 to 27 of this report. Further 
information is available on the Group website: www.tullowoil.com, 
and our 2020 Sustainability Report.

Annual General Meeting
The Notice of Annual General Meeting will set out the 
resolutions to be proposed at the forthcoming AGM, which 
will be sent to shareholders in due course.

This Corporate Governance Report (which includes the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report) and the information referred 
to herein have been approved by the Board and signed on 
its behalf by:

Adam Holland
Company Secretary

9 March 2021

Registered office: 
9 Chiswick Park 
566 Chiswick High Road 
London W4 5XT

Company registered in England and Wales No. 3919249

78

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Statement of Directors’ responsibilities

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report 
and the Financial Statements in accordance with applicable 
United Kingdom law and regulations. 

Company law requires the Directors to prepare financial 
statements for each financial year. Under that law the 
Directors have elected to prepare the Group Financial 
Statements in accordance with International Accounting 
Standards in conformity with the requirements of the 
Companies Act 2006, and the Parent Company Financial 
Statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting 
Standards and applicable law), including Financial Reporting 
Standard 101 Reduced Disclosure Framework (“FRS 101”). 
Under company law the Directors must not approve the 
Financial Statements unless they are satisfied that they give 
a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and 
the Company and of the profit or loss of the Group and the 
Company for that period. 

Under the Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure Guidance 
and Transparency Rules, group financial statements are required 
to be prepared in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs) adopted pursuant to Regulation 
(EC) No. 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.

In preparing these Financial Statements the Directors are 
required to:

 - select suitable accounting policies in accordance with IAS 8 
Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and 
Errors and then apply them consistently;

 - make judgements and accounting estimates that are 

reasonable and prudent;

 - present information, including accounting policies, in a 

manner that provides relevant, reliable, comparable and 
understandable information;

 - provide additional disclosures when compliance with the 

specific requirements in IFRSs, and in respect of the Parent 
Company Financial Statements, FRS 101, is insufficient 
to enable users to understand the impact of particular 
transactions, other events and conditions on the Group 
and Company financial position and financial performance; 

 - in respect of the Group Financial statements, state whether 
International Accounting Standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and IFRSs adopted 
pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 as it applies in 
the European Union have been followed, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in the 
Financial Statements;

 - in respect of the Parent Company Financial Statements, 

state whether applicable UK Accounting Standards, 
including FRS 101, have been followed, subject to any 
material departures disclosed and explained in the 
Financial Statements; and

 - prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern 

basis unless it is appropriate to presume that the Company 
and/ or the Group will not continue in business.

The Directors are responsible for keeping adequate 
accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain 
the Company’s and Group’s transactions and disclose with 
reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the 
Company and the Group and enable them to ensure that the 
Company and the Group Financial Statements comply with 
the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for 
safeguarding the assets of the Group and Parent Company 
and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention 
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Under applicable law and regulations, the Directors are also 
responsible for preparing a strategic report, Directors’ report, 
Directors’ remuneration report and corporate governance 
statement that comply with that law and those regulations. 
The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and 
integrity of the corporate and financial information included 
on the Company’s website. 

Directors’ responsibility statement (DTR 4.1)
The Directors confirm, to the best of their knowledge:

 - that the consolidated Financial Statements, prepared in 
accordance with International Accounting Standards in 
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 
2006 and IFRSs adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) 
No.1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union, give a 
true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial position 
and profit of the Parent Company and undertakings 
included in the consolidation taken as a whole; 

 - that the Annual Report, including the Strategic Report, 

includes a fair review of the development and performance 
of the business and the position of the Company and 
undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a 
whole, together with a description of the principal risks 
and uncertainties that they face; and

 - that they consider the Annual Report, taken as a whole, 
is fair, balanced and understandable and provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Company’s position, performance, business model 
and strategy.

Rahul Dhir 
Chief Executive Officer 

Les Wood
Chief Financial Officer

9 March 2021 

9 March 2021

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

79

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSIndependent auditor’s report  
to the members of Tullow Oil plc

Opinion

In our opinion:

 - Tullow Oil plc’s Group Financial Statements and Parent Company financial statements (the “financial statements”) give 
a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the Parent Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2020 and of the 
Group’s loss for the year then ended;

 - the Group financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards in 
conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International Financial Reporting Standards adopted 
pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union; 

 - the Parent Company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally 

Accepted Accounting Practice; and

 - the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

We have audited the financial statements of Tullow Oil plc (the ‘Parent Company’) and its subsidiaries (the ‘Group’) for the year 
ended 31 December 2020 which comprise:

Group

Parent company

Group balance sheet as at 31 December 2020

Company balance sheet as at 31 December 2020

Group income statement for the year then ended

Company statement of changes in equity for the year 
then ended

Group statement of comprehensive income and expense for the year 
then ended

Related notes 1 to 7 to the financial statements 
including a summary of significant accounting policies 

Group statement of changes in equity for the year then ended

Group cash flow statement for the year then ended

Related notes 1 to 31 to the financial statements, including a summary 
of significant accounting policies

The financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Group financial statements is applicable 
law and International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and International 
Financial Reporting Standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. The 
financial reporting framework that has been applied in the preparation of the Parent Company financial statements is applicable 
law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 101 “Reduced Disclosure Framework” (United Kingdom Generally 
Accepted Accounting Practice).

Basis for opinion 
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. 
Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial 
statements section of our report. We are independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical requirements that are 
relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard as applied to listed public 
interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Material uncertainties relating to going concern
We draw attention to the Basis of Preparation note as set out on page 97, which highlights the following events or conditions 
that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern:

 - the Group is in the process of implementing a refinancing. The implementation of a refinancing proposal are outside the 

control of the Group; and 

 - The Group is forecasting that it requires amendments or waivers in respect of covenant breaches and, in the event a refinancing 
proposal is implemented, may require waivers should the revised covenants subsequently be breached. Obtaining amendments 
or waivers to these covenants is outside the control of the Group. 

As stated on pages 97 to 98, these events or conditions indicate that material uncertainties exist that may cast significant doubt 
on the Group’s and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the 
preparation of the financial statements of the Group is appropriate. 

80

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

How we evaluated management’s assessment 
Management’s going concern assessment assesses the ability of the group to continue as a going concern from the date of 
approval of the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts (‘ARA’) to 30 April 2022 (‘going concern period’).

Further detail on the assumptions applied by management in its going concern assessment are provided in the Basis of 
Preparation note on page 92.

Our evaluation of the directors’ assessment of Tullow’s ability to continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting 
included the following procedures:

Area

Our procedures and key observations

Modelling the 
forecasted cash flows 

 - with the assistance of EY business modelling specialists, tested the integrity of management’s 

going concern model;

 - in conjunction with EY valuation specialists, assessed management’s oil price assumptions. Our 
assessment included the comparison of management’s price assumptions with recent market 
participant estimates;

 - assessed whether the assumptions in the reasonable worst case were plausible and sufficiently severe;

 - ensured that the forecast was consistent with the budget approved by Tullow’s Board; 

 - assessed the appropriateness of reliance on management’s external reserve specialists by 

performing procedures to evaluate their objectivity and competency; and

 - evaluated the reasonableness of all other key assumptions, including cost forecasts, through 
reconciliation to the budget approved by the Board and assessing their consistency with other 
areas of the audit, including impairment assessments.

We observed that given the price evolution to date in 2021, whilst the reasonable worst case is still 
plausible, it is likely on the conservative side and that assumed production in the base case was in 
line with the approved budget. 

Forecasted covenant 
compliance and liquidity

 - recalculated management’s forecast covenant compliance calculations to confirm that there are 
covenant breaches forecast throughout the going concern period under management’s base case 
and reasonable worst case; and

Ability to obtain waivers 
and amendments for 
covenant breaches

 - taking into account the hedge position of the Group, we performed a reverse stress test to 

determine if there were conditions under which the Group could potentially experience a liquidity 
shortfall before the Senior Note repayment on 15 April 2022.

We confirmed the Group is forecasting to breach its covenants under its base case and reasonable 
worst case scenarios. As the Group has a high degree of hedging in place, our reverse stress testing 
indicated that the Group will maintain liquidity throughout the going concern period until 15 April 
2022 using any reasonable downside oil price assumption under the assumption that amendments 
or waivers are received for any Liquidity Forecast Test or gearing covenant breach. 

In considering whether the lenders would be willing to continue to issue waivers and amendments, 
we performed the following procedures: 

 - obtained covenant waivers and amendments previously provided by Tullow’s lenders;

 - made inquiries of Tullow’s internal treasury team and external financial advisers in order to 

understand the status of discussions and their assessment of the likelihood of Tullow’s creditors 
agreeing to provide financial covenant deferrals or waivers for a sufficient period of time to allow 
Tullow to complete a Refinancing Proposal; and 

 - utilised the knowledge and experience of EY restructuring specialists in order to assess the 

reasonableness of Tullow’s position.

Given the significance of the assumption that lenders would be willing to continue to issue waivers 
and amendments on the impact on Tullow’s ability to continue as a going concern, we consider there 
to be a material uncertainty.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

81

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSIndependent auditor’s report  
to the members of Tullow Oil plc continued

How we evaluated management’s assessment continued 

Area

Our procedures and key observations

Ability of the Group to 
finalise, implement and 
obtain approvals for its 
Refinancing Proposal

In considering whether the Group will be able to finalise and implement a refinancing proposal, we 
performed the following procedures:

 - We obtained the details of the Refinancing Proposal discussed with the lenders;

 - made inquiries of Tullow’s internal treasury team and external financial advisers in order to 
understand their assessment of the likelihood of Tullow creditors approving the terms of the 
refinancing and the reasons for such an expectation;

 - analysed external indicators, including share price, bond prices and the equity short position to 

inform ourselves of market sentiment regarding the Group’s outlook;

 - made inquiries of the financial advisers of the lenders regarding the likelihood of their clients 

approving the terms of the refinancing; and 

 - utilised the knowledge and experience of EY restructuring specialists in order to assess the 

reasonableness of Tullow’s position.

Given the significance of the assumption that the Group will be able to implement a refinancing 
proposal on the impact on Tullow’s ability to continue as a going concern, we consider there to be 
a material uncertainty.

Conclusion
In relation to the Group’s and Parent Company’s reporting on how they have applied the UK Corporate Governance Code, we 
have nothing material to add or draw attention to in respect of the Directors’ identification in the financial statements of the 
material uncertainties to the Group’s ability to continue to do so throughout the going concern period.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Directors with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections 
of this report. However, because not all future events or conditions can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to the 
Group’s and parent company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

We draw attention to the Viability Statement on page 35, which indicates that an assumption to the statement of viability is 
management’s ability to implement a refinancing proposal and obtain amendments or waivers in respect of covenant breaches 
or, in the event a refinancing proposal is implemented, the revised covenants are subsequently breached. The Directors consider 
that the material uncertainties referred to in respect of going concern may cast significant doubt over the future viability of the 
Group and Parent Company should these events not complete. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

82

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Overview of our audit approach

Audit scope

 - We performed an audit of the complete financial information of 4 components and audit procedures on 

specific balances for a further 12 components.

 - The components where we performed full or specific audit procedures accounted for 98 per cent of 

Adjusted EBITDA, 97 per cent of Revenue and 94 per cent of Total assets.

Key audit matters

 - Impairment of O&G assets

 - Impairment of Kenya and Uganda intangible E&E assets

 - O&G reserves estimation

 - Estimation of Ghana decom provision

 - Uncertain Tax Positions

 - Although going concern was considered to represent a key audit matter, detail on our audit procedures 
and key observations are summarised in the ‘Material uncertainties related to going concern’ section of 
our report as opposed to the key audit matters table below.

Materiality

 - Overall Group materiality of $25 million which represents 2 per cent of normalised Adjusted EBITDA.

First year audit 
transition

 - The year ended 31 December 2020 is our first as auditor of the Group. We commenced transition at the 
start of the audit professional engagement period on 1 January 2020 including shadowing the previous 
auditor through the 31 December 2019 audit, such as attendance at certain close meetings and the 
Audit Committee meeting. Subsequently, audit transition activities focused on the following areas:

 - We evaluated all key accounting judgement papers and the Group’s accounting policies.

 - We undertook reviews of the predecessor auditor files to consider working papers in relation to significant 
audit risk matters, to identify and assess the judgements exercised over these risks and to assess the 
nature, timing and extent of audit procedures performed in forming the prior year auditor opinion.

 - We continued to engage with the Company at all levels throughout the period and held a number of 

Teams meetings with the AC Chair, the CFO, the Group FC and his accounting team and heads of other 
departments to mitigate the impact of remote working in our first year audit due to COVID-19 restrictions.

 - Prior to signing the interim review opinion, we had understood and walked through the key processes  

at Group and in the full scope audit location.

An overview of the scope of the Parent Company and Group audits
Tailoring the scope
Our assessment of audit risk, our evaluation of materiality and our allocation of performance materiality determine our audit 
scope for each company within the Group. Taken together, this enables us to form an opinion on the consolidated financial 
statements. We take into account size, risk profile, the organisation of the Group and changes in the business environment 
when assessing the level of work to be performed at each company.

The Group has centralised processes and controls over the key areas of our audit focus with responsibility lying with Group 
management for the majority of estimation processes and significant risk areas. We have tailored our audit response 
accordingly and thus for the majority of our focus areas, audit procedures were undertaken by the Group audit team.

In assessing the risk of material misstatement to the Group financial statements, and to ensure we had adequate quantitative 
coverage of significant accounts in the financial statements, of the 65 reporting components of the Group, we selected 
16 components covering entities within Ghana, Gabon, UK, Jersey, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kenya, Uganda, Peru, 
Guyana, Norway and Ireland which represent the principal Business Units within the Group.

Of the 16 components selected, we performed an audit of the complete financial information of 4 components (“full scope 
components”) which were selected based on their size or risk characteristics. For the remaining 12 components (“specific scope 
components”), we performed audit procedures on specific accounts within that component that we considered had the potential 
for the greatest impact on the significant accounts in the financial statements either because of the size of these accounts or 
their risk profile. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

83

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSIndependent auditor’s report  
to the members of Tullow Oil plc continued

An overview of the scope of the parent company and group audits continued
Tailoring the scope continued
The reporting components where we performed audit procedures accounted for 98 per cent of the Group’s adjusted EBITDA, 
97per cent of the Group’s Revenue and 94 per cent of the Group’s Total assets. For the current year, the full scope components 
contributed 99per cent of the Group’s adjusted EBITDA, 90 per cent of the Group’s Revenue and 73 per cent of the Group’s Total 
assets. The specific scope components contributed negative 1per cent of the Group’s adjusted EBITDA, 7 per cent of the Group’s 
Revenue and 21per cent of the Group’s Total assets. The audit scope of these components may not have included testing of all 
significant accounts of the component but will have contributed to the coverage for the Group audit. Group audit team has 
performed specified procedures on 3 locations over certain aspects of intangible exploration and evaluation assets, oil and 
gas assets, borrowings, non-current provisions and exploration costs written off.

Of the remaining 49 components that together represent 2 per cent of the Group’s adjusted EBITDA, none are individually 
greater than 1 per cent of the Group’s adjusted EBITDA. For these components, we performed other procedures, including 
analytical review, testing of consolidation journals and intercompany eliminations to respond to any potential risks of material 
misstatement to the Group financial statements.

The charts below illustrate the coverage obtained from the work performed by our audit teams.

Adjusted EBITDA

Revenue

Total assets

 2% – Other procedures 9090+
9898+

 3% – Other procedures 7373+

 73% – Full scope components
 21% – Specific scope components
 6% – Other procedures

 99% – Full scope components
 -1% – Specific scope components

 90% – Full scope components
 7% – Specific scope components

Changes from the prior year 
This is our first year of auditing Tullow Oil plc. Our scope is broadly consistent with that adopted by the previous auditor.

Involvement with component teams 
The overall audit strategy is determined by the Senior Statutory Auditor, Paul Wallek. In establishing our overall approach to 
the Group audit, we determined the type of work that needed to be undertaken at each of the components by us, as the primary 
audit engagement team, or by component auditors from other EY global network firms operating under our instruction. We deployed 
component team in Ghana and requested support from Uganda, Kenya, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon tax teams in addressing 
tax specific matters originating from those jurisdictions.

Of the four full scope components, audit procedures were performed on three of these directly by the primary audit team. 
For the 12 specific scope components, the work was performed directly by the primary audit team.

Under normal circumstances Paul and/or other senior members of the team would have visited Ghana three times during the 
audit cycle. The planned visits to Ghana during the year were cancelled due to travel restrictions imposed as a result of COVID-19. 
However, in planning our audit, we assumed a worst-case scenario where travel restrictions and lockdowns would persist 
throughout the period of the audit. As a result, we developed an audit strategy that enabled the group engagement team to fulfil 
its responsibilities under auditing standards to evaluate, review and oversee the work of component teams on a remote basis. 
During the current year’s audit cycle, virtual visits through video conferencing were undertaken by the primary audit team to the 
component team in Ghana. These meetings involved discussing the audit approach with the component team and any issues 
arising from their work, meeting with local management and attending planning and closing meetings. The primary team interacted 
frequently with the component teams where appropriate during various stages of the audit and were responsible for the scope 
and direction of the audit process. In addition the primary team reviewed key workpapers prepared by the component team in 
areas of particular risk, through the interactive capability of EY Canvas, our global audit workflow tool. This, together with the 
additional procedures performed at a Group level, gave us appropriate evidence for our opinion on the Group financial statements.

84

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

+
0
0
+
+
2
2
+
+
O
O
+
7
7
+
+
3
3
+
+
O
O
+
21
21
+
+
6
6
+
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Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not 
due to fraud) that we identified. These matters included those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy, the 
allocation of resources in the audit; and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters were addressed in the 
context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a separate opinion 
on these matters.

In addition to the matters described in the ‘Material uncertainties related to going concern’ section of our report, we identified 
the following key audit matters.

Key observations 
communicated to the 
Audit Committee

We reported to the 
Audit Committee in its 
March 2021 meeting 
that, based on our 
testing performed, we 
considered the current 
period impairment 
charge is fairly stated 
and that there are no 
further material 
impairments or 
impairment reversals 
in the Group.

Risk

Our response to the risk

Impairment of Oil and Gas assets 
$2,544 million (2019: $3,085 million)

Refer to the Audit Committee Report 
(page 49); Accounting policies (page 
97); and Note 11 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (page 118)

In the current period, management 
recorded a net impairment charge of 
$250.6 million (2019: $781.2 million). 
$149.2 million (2019: $712.8 million) 
of the charge relates to Ghana (TEN) 
producing assets and is subject to the 
determination of judgemental 
valuation inputs. 

Following the identification of 
Group-wide indicators of impairment, 
being a downward revision to 
management’s long term price 
assumptions, all of management’s 
tangible oil and gas assets within it 
respective cash generating units 
(‘CGUs’), were tested for impairment 
in the period. 

Management prepare its tangible 
asset impairment tests under the 
value-in-use methodology. The 
models include a number of estimates 
and judgements including: future oil and 
gas prices; discount rates; inflation 
rates; production profiles; and cost 
profiles for each asset. Changes to 
any of these key inputs could lead to a 
potential impairment or a reversal of 
impairment, hence this risk is 
considered a key audit matter.

The risk has increased in current year 
following downturn in long term 
commodity prices. 

Our audit response was executed by the primary audit team, 
covering all assets at risk of material impairment. We 
performed the following audit procedures with respect to 
management’s impairment assessment:

 - confirmed our understanding of Tullow’s impairment 

process, as well as the control environment implemented by 
management;

 - following identification of indicators of impairment in respect 

of all tangible oil and gas properties, for each CGU, we:

 - with the assistance of EY business modelling specialists, 

tested the integrity of underlying VIU model;

 - we assessed the appropriateness of management’s oil 

price assumptions through comparison with the estimates 
of market participants. Our assessment of management’s 
long term oil price assumption considered the estimates of 
recognised consultants, brokers, peers and the prices 
reflected in the Sustainable Development Scenario from 
International Energy Agency (IEA);

 - in conjunction with our EY valuations specialists, 

we assessed the appropriateness of management’s 
impairment discount rates including an independent 
re-calculation of the group’s weighted average cost 
of capital;

 - tested management’s production profiles through 

reconciliation to the results of our testing in respect to 
reserve estimation and that the life-of-field assumptions 
were consistent with those applied in the Company’s 
decommissioning provision calculations; and 

 - tested the appropriateness of other cash flow assumptions, 
including cost estimate profiles, inflation rate and FX rates 
based on comparison with recent actuals and our 
understanding obtained from other areas of the audit.

Our audit response was primarily performed by the primary 
audit team, with support from local tax teams in Ghana, Kenya 
and Uganda. Our audit procedures over this risk area covers 
100 per cent of the reported risk amount.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

85

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKey observations 
communicated to the 
Audit Committee

Based on our testing 
performed on the 
valuation of the Kenya 
asset and receipt of 
license extension from 
Government of Kenya 
in September 2020 we 
are satisfied that the 
carrying amounts of 
E&E assets as at 
31 December 2020 are 
fairly stated.

Further based on 
procedures performed 
on the consideration 
for Uganda asset we 
are satisfied that the 
impairment of the 
Uganda E&E asset 
is fairly stated.

Independent auditor’s report  
to the members of Tullow Oil plc continued

Key audit matters continued

Risk

Our response to the risk

Impairment of Kenya and Uganda 
intangible exploration and evaluation 
(E&E) assets $247.0 million 
(2019: $1,627.0 million)

Our audit response was executed by the primary audit team, 
covering all assets at risk of material impairment. 

We performed the following audit procedures with respect to 
management’s impairment assessment of Kenya E&E asset:

Refer to the Audit Committee Report 
(page 51); Accounting policies (page 
106); and Note 10 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (pages 116 to 117)

 - we read the letter from Government of Kenya, which grants 
the Group license extension to 31 December 2021, with a 
condition to submit a technically and commercially compliant 
Field Development Plan for approval by 31 December 2021;

As at 31 December 2020, Tullow’s 
Intangible Exploration and 
Evaluation (E&E) assets are carried at 
$368.2 million (2019: 1,764.4 million), 
of which $247.0 million (2019: 
$667.0 million) relates to Tullow’s 
interest in Kenya exploration license. 
Tullow has successfully completed the 
sale of the Uganda E&E asset for 
$582.6 million and recognised an 
exploration cost write off $451.4 million.

Exploration and evaluation assets 
shall be assessed for impairment 
when facts and circumstances 
suggest that the carrying amount of 
an exploration and evaluation asset 
may exceed its recoverable amount.

The risk of future impairment remains 
high should the Company not be able 
to realise the value through a sale or 
progress to Field Development Plan 
which is a pre-condition to further 
Kenya licence extension. 

 - we tied the 2C resources used in the Kenya valuation model 

to the TRACS report;

 - with the assistance of EY business modelling specialists, 

tested the integrity of the underlying VIU model;

 - we assessed the appropriateness of management’s oil and 

gas price assumptions through comparison with the 
estimates of market participants. Our assessment of 
management’s long term oil price assumption considered 
the estimates of recognised consultants, brokers, peers and 
the prices reflected in the Sustainable Development Scenario 
from International Energy Agency (IEA);

 - in conjunction with our EY valuations specialists, we 

assessed the appropriateness of management’s impairment 
discount rates based on an independent re-calculation of the 
Group’s weighted average cost of capital;

 - tested management’s production profiles through 

reconciliation to the results of our testing in respect to 
reserve estimation and that life-of-field assumptions were 
consistent with those applied in the Company’s 
decommissioning provision calculations; and 

 - tested the appropriateness of other cash flow assumptions, 
including cost estimate profiles, inflation rate and FX rates 
based on comparison with recent actuals and our 
understanding obtained from other areas of the audit.

We performed the following audit procedures with respect to 
impairment of Uganda E&E asset and subsequent sale:

 - we read and evaluated the Sale and Purchase Agreement 
(SPA) to verify the sale consideration which was used to 
determine the fair valuation of Uganda E&E asset; and

 - we tied the proceeds of the sale received as of 31 December 2020 

to the bank statement.

Our audit response was primarily performed by the primary 
audit team. Our audit procedures over this risk area covers 
100 per cent of the reported risk amount.

86

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Key observations 
communicated to the 
Audit Committee

Based on the evidence 
obtained and the audit 
procedures performed 
we are satisfied that 
the accounting 
treatment in respect of 
potential tax exposures 
is appropriate. We also 
concluded that the 
disclosures made in 
the financial 
statements are 
appropriate.

Key audit matters continued

Risk

Our response to the risk

Uncertain tax positions $1,070.0m 
(2019: $990m)

 We performed the following audit procedures with respect to 
address the risk of material misstatement:

Refer to the Audit Committee Report 
(page 51); Accounting policies (pages 
107 to 108); and Note 7 of the 
Consolidated Financial Statements 
(pages 114 to 115)

 - where appropriate, obtained correspondence with tax 

authorities and when required used our local teams and tax 
specialists on specific regimes to challenge management’s 
assumptions and judgements regarding the level of 
provisions made;

 - inspected external legal and tax opinions (where considered 
necessary) to corroborate management’s assessment of the 
risk profile in respect of tax claims;

 - we audited year-end tax exposures and provisions position 

as provided in Tullow’s UTP slide deck and associated 
workings; and

 - considered the relevant disclosures made within the financial 
statements to ensure they appropriately reflect the facts and 
circumstances of the tax exposures and are in accordance 
with the requirements of IAS 37.

Our audit response was primarily performed by the primary 
audit team. Our audit procedures over this risk area covers 
100 per cent of the reported risk amount.

The Group is subject to various claims 
from local tax authorities in the normal 
course of its business. The Group is in 
formal dispute proceedings regarding 
a number of these claims.

We consider this risk a key audit matter 
because of the potential quantitative 
impact on the financial statements 
and significant audit effort required to 
understand the historical position in a 
first year audit. Additionally, the 
treatment of taxation cases requires 
significant judgement due to the 
complexity of the cases, timescales 
for resolution and the need to negotiate 
with various authorities and other 
parties. As such, the Group has included 
uncertain tax positions in its disclosure 
of key sources of estimation uncertainty 
on pages 107 to 108.

The risk has remained consistent with 
the prior year.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

87

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSKey observations 
communicated to the 
Audit Committee

Based on our testing 
performed we have not 
identified any significant 
errors in the proven 
and probable reserves 
and have concluded 
that the inputs and 
assumptions used by 
an external expert to 
audit proved reserves 
and resources are 
reasonable.

Independent auditor’s report  
to the members of Tullow Oil plc continued

Key audit matters continued

Risk

Our response to the risk

Oil and Gas reserve estimation

 - We performed the following audit procedures with respect to 

Refer to the Audit Committee Report 
(page 51); Accounting policies (page 
106); and Commercial reserves and 
contingent resources summary 
(page 156)

The estimation and measurement of 
oil and gas reserves is considered a 
key audit matter as it impacts many 
material elements of the financial 
statements including impairment, 
debt covenant compliance, 
decommissioning, and depreciation, 
depletion and amortisation (‘DD&A’). 
There is technical uncertainty in 
assessing reserve quantities and 
there are complex contractual 
arrangements that determine Tullow’s 
entitlement of reserves.

Management’s proven and probable 
reserves estimates are audited by 
external specialist.

The scope of our procedures in respect 
to reserve estimation included 
contingent resources that impact the 
financial statements, relating to Kenya 
fields which are yet to be sanctioned but 
included in management’s recoverability 
assessment of Intangible exploration 
and evaluation assets

The risk has remained consistent with 
the prior year.

management’s estimation of oil and gas reserves.

 - confirmed our understanding of Tullow’s oil and gas reserve 

estimation process as well as the control environment 
implemented by management;

 - we assessed the appropriateness of reliance on management’s 

internal and external reserve specialists by performing 
procedures to evaluate their objectivity and competency;

 - we engaged an EY partner with significant oil and gas 

reserves expertise and valuation experience to review the 
reserves reports generated by external expert and assess 
the appropriateness of inputs of technical nature;

 - held discussions with management’s external specialists 
to understand the basis and appropriateness of revisions;

 - investigated all material volume movements from management’s 
prior period estimate and lack of movement where changes 
were expected based on our understanding of operations and 
findings from other areas of our audit;

 - reconciled and compared the consistency reserve volumes 

applied throughout the relevant accounting processes 
including DD&A, impairment, going concern assessment, 
decommissioning provisions and deferred tax asset 
recoverability;

 - we recalculated net entitlement production that reflect the 
terms of the production sharing contracts for all fields and 
is derived from the external audited reserves; and

 - in light of Tullow’s aim to reach net-zero carbon emissions 

by 2030 (scope 1 and 2), we considered the extent of reserves 
recognised that are due to be produced beyond 2030 in assessing 
the potential impact of the energy transition on the recognition 
of Tullow’s reserves. 

Our audit response was performed by the primary audit team. 
Our audit procedures over this risk area covers 88 per cent of 
the reported reserves. Tullow’s proven and probable reserves 
are not recognised beyond 2036. We see no evidence that the 
recognition of the reserve volumes expected to be lifted beyond 
2030 results in the overstatement of Tullow’s balance sheet by 
overstating the recoverable amounts of Tullow’s assets or 
understatement of decommissioning liabilities.

88

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Key observations 
communicated to the 
Audit Committee

Based on the audit 
procedures performed 
and evidence obtained 
we are satisfied 
that the Ghana 
decommissioning 
provision is 
appropriate.

Key audit matters continued

Risk

Our response to the risk

Estimation of Ghana 
decommissioning provision $323.5m 
(2019: £365.6m)

We have confirmed our understanding of the decommissioning 
provision estimation process, including an assessment of the 
control environment;

Refer to the Audit Committee Report 
(page 51); Accounting policies (page 
107); and Note 21 of the Consolidated 
Financial Statements (page 131)

Decommissioning provisions are 
based on a number of estimates and 
assumptions that are impacted by 
future activities, economic factors and 
the legislative environments in which 
Tullow operates. We have considered the 
estimating of the decommissioning 
provision for the Ghana operated 
assets a key audit matter as it involves 
a number of estimates and the overall 
quantum of the provision as at 
31 December 2020 is large when 
compared to materiality. 

The risk has remained consistent 
with the prior year.

 - we engaged our EY decommissioning specialist in our 

meetings with management and external experts to ensure 
that we challenge the appropriateness of assumptions 
applied by external expert and management with the greater 
knowledge in decommissioning and restoration activities; 

 - we assessed the objectivity and competency of the specialist 

used in estimating the decommissioning provision and 
compare the results of management’s estimation to that 
of the specialist; 

 - we verified the completeness of the cost estimate data by 
corroborating work performed in other areas of the audit, 
including oil and gas reserves and impairment testing of 
PP&E, where applicable; 

 - we tested the key cost assumptions that have the most 

significant impact on the overall decommissioning provision, 
with a focus on the estimated well costs. We tested the 
appropriateness of assumptions by comparing costs to 
external specialist estimates and other available 
benchmarks; and

 - we engaged EY valuation specialist to test the 

appropriateness of the discount rate assumptions. 

Our audit response was primarily performed by the primary 
audit team. Our audit procedures over this risk area covers 
100 per cent of the reported risk amount.

As this is our first year as external auditors of the Group, the starting point for our audit focus areas were the same as those 
identified by Deloitte for the year ended 31 December 2019. The audit focus areas have since been amended following our 
experience gained from the understanding of developments in the business, and time spent during the year end audit. 

Our application of materiality
We apply the concept of materiality in planning and performing the audit, in evaluating the effect of identified misstatements 
on the audit and in forming our audit opinion. 

Materiality
The magnitude of an omission or misstatement that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to influence 
the economic decisions of the users of the financial statements. Materiality provides a basis for determining the nature and 
extent of our audit procedures. 

We determined initial planning materiality for the Group to be $24.7 million (2019: $40 million), which is 2 per cent (2019: 3 per cent) 
of normalised Adjusted EBITDA (2019: Adjusted EBITDAX). 

Our key criterion in determining materiality remains our perception of the needs of Tullow’s stakeholders. We consider which 
earnings, activity or capital-based measure aligns best with the expectations of the users of Tullow’s financial statements. In 
doing so, we apply a ‘reasonable investor perspective’, which reflects our understanding of the common financial information 
needs of the members of Tullow as a group. 

We believe that EBITDA is the most appropriate measure upon which to calculate materiality as it represents a key performance 
indicator used by Tullow’s investors and the basis of financial covenants imposed by lenders. 

Although this is an unprecedented time for the industry and there is uncertainty as to the outlook for prices, the views of economists 
and market participants are that demand will return and that the supply/demand balance will be re-addressed over time. Given 
this, we believed it was important that, in setting materiality, we did not overact to what is expected to be a relatively temporary 
phenomenon – especially when Tullow continues to be the same company structurally. In the 4th Quarter of 2020 and post 
year-end, the oil price has more than recovered to levels where it was before the pandemic and the oil price collapse witnessed 
in March 2020.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

89

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSIndependent auditor’s report  
to the members of Tullow Oil plc continued

Our application of materiality continued
Materiality continued
We have determined that the basis of planning materiality should be normalised Adjusted EBITDA (i.e excluding non-recurring 
items), calculated as the average of 2018 and 2019 actuals as well as management’s 2020 budget (2019: 2019 adjusted EBITDA). 
By applying a normalised approach, large year-on-year swings in materiality are minimised. We have excluded non-recurring 
items such as impairments of E&E assets and producing oil & gas assets, non-cash movements in provisions and gains on sale 
to ensure we are using a consistent measure representative of the underlying business.

The non-recurring items excluded in 2020 were: impairment of E&E assets ($987 million) impairment of oil and gas assets 
($251 million), non-cash movement in provisions ($nil), loss on asset sale ($3.4 million), restructuring costs ($92 million) and 
fair value gain on hedging ($1 million)

The non-recurring items excluded in 2019 were: impairment of E&E assets ($1,253 million) impairment of oil and gas assets 
($781 million), non-cash movement in provisions ($4 million), gain on asset sale ($7 million), restructuring costs ($nil) and fair 
value gain on hedging ($2 million).

The non-recurring items excluded in 2018 were: impairment of E&E assets ($295 million) impairment of oil and gas assets 
($18 million), non-cash movement in provisions ($171 million), gain on asset sale ($21 million), restructuring costs ($nil) and 
fair value loss on hedging ($2 million).

We determined materiality for the Parent Company to be $5.2 million (2019: $32 million), which is 1 per cent (2019: 1.6 per cent) 
of equity. The significant decrease in materiality is due to reduction in Parent Company equity resulting from impairment of 
investments triggered by the reduction in long term oil price forecasts. 

During the course of our audit, we re-assessed initial materiality in the context of the Group’s actual performance and have adjusted 
the management 2020 budget numbers with actuals to determine final materiality. Our revised planning materiality is $25 million. 

Performance materiality
The application of materiality at the individual account or balance level. It is set at an amount to reduce to an appropriately low 
level the probability that the aggregate of uncorrected and undetected misstatements exceeds materiality.

On the basis of our risk assessments procedures, together with our assessment of the Group’s overall control environment, our 
judgement was that performance materiality was 50 per cent (2019: 70 per cent) of our planning materiality, namely $12.5 million 
(2019: $32 million). We have set performance materiality at this percentage following: assessment of nature, number and impact of 
the adjusted and unadjusted audit differences identified in 2019 and the heightened risk or error in the current environment.

Audit work at component locations for the purpose of obtaining audit coverage over significant financial statement accounts is 
undertaken based on a percentage of total performance materiality. The performance materiality set for each component is 
based on the relative scale and risk of the component to the Group as a whole and our assessment of the risk of misstatement 
at that component. In the current year, the range of performance materiality allocated to components was $11.2 million to 
$3.1 million (2019: $32 million to $16 million).

Reporting threshold
An amount below which identified misstatements are considered as being clearly trivial.

We agreed with the Audit Committee that we would report to them all uncorrected audit differences in excess of $1.2 million 
(2019: $2 million), which is set at 5 per cent of planning materiality, as well as differences below that threshold that, in our view, 
warranted reporting on qualitative grounds.

We evaluate any uncorrected misstatements against both the quantitative measures of materiality discussed above and in light 
of other relevant qualitative considerations in forming our opinion.

Other information 
The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report as set out on pages 1 to 84 and 140 to 144, 
including the Strategic Report, Governance and Supplementary information other than the financial statements and our 
Auditor’s Report thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information contained within the Annual Report. 

Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated 
in this report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. 

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially 
inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be 
materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to 
determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have 
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of the other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006
In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006.

90

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Opinions on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006 continued
In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

 - the information given in the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report for the financial year for which the financial statements 

are prepared is consistent with the financial statements; and 

 - the Strategic Report and the Directors’ Report have been prepared in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception
In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and the Parent Company and their environment obtained in the course 
of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Strategic Report or the Directors’ Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Companies Act 2006 requires us to report 
to you if, in our opinion:

 - adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Parent Company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 

received from branches not visited by us; or

 - the Parent Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ Remuneration Report to be audited are not in 

agreement with the accounting records and returns; or

 - certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; or

 - we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Corporate Governance Statement
The Listing Rules require us to review the Directors’ statement in relation to going concern, longer term viability and that part of 
the Corporate Governance Statement relating to the Group and Company’s compliance with the provisions of the UK Corporate 
Governance Statement specified for our review.

Based on the work undertaken as part of our audit, we have concluded that each of the following elements of the Corporate 
Governance Statement is materially consistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained during the audit:

 - Directors’ statement with regards to the appropriateness of adopting the going concern basis of accounting and any material 

uncertainties identified as set out on page 79;

 - Directors’ explanation as to its assessment of the Company’s prospects, the period this assessment covers and why the 

period is appropriate as set out on page 79;

 - Directors’ statement on fair, balanced and understandable as set out on page 79;

 - Board’s confirmation that it has carried out a robust assessment of the emerging and principal risks as set out on page 28;

 - the section of the Annual Report that describes the review of effectiveness of risk management and internal control systems 

as set out on page 28; and;

 - the section describing the work of the Audit Committee as set out on page 49.

Responsibilities of directors
As explained more fully in the Directors’ Responsibilities Statement 74, the Directors are responsible for the preparation of the 
financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Directors 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether 
due to fraud or error. 

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible for assessing the Group and Parent company’s ability to 
continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of 
accounting unless the Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Parent Company or to cease operations, or have no 
realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a 
high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material 
misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, 
they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with 
our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect irregularities, including fraud. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement 
due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, 
for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion. The extent to which our procedures are capable 
of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

91

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSIndependent auditor’s report  
to the members of Tullow Oil plc continued

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements continued
Explanation as to what extent the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud continued
However, the primary responsibility for the prevention and detection of fraud rests with both those charged with governance of 
the Company and management. 

 - We obtained an understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks that are applicable to the Group and determined that 

the most significant are those that relate to the reporting framework (IFRS, Companies Act 2006, the UK Corporate 
Governance Code and the Listing Rules of the UK Listing Authority) and the relevant tax compliance regulations in the 
jurisdictions in which Tullow operates. In addition, we concluded that there are certain significant laws and regulations that 
may have an effect on the determination of the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and those laws and 
regulations relating to health and safety, employee matters, environmental, and bribery and corruption practices.

 - We understood how Tullow Oil plc is complying with those frameworks by making inquiries of management, internal audit and 

those responsible for legal and compliance procedures. We corroborated our enquiries through review of board minutes, 
papers provided to the Audit Committee and correspondence received from regulatory bodies. 

 - We assessed the susceptibility of the Group’s financial statements to material misstatement, including how fraud might occur 
by meeting with management to understand where it considered there was susceptibility to fraud and assessing whistleblowing 
incidences for those with a potential financial reporting impact. In addition, we utilised internal and external information to 
perform a fraud risk assessment for each of the countries of operation. We considered risk of fraud through management 
override and, in response, we incorporated data analytics across manual journal entries into our audit approach. These 
procedures included those on revenue recognition detailed above were designed to provide reasonable assurance that the 
financial statements were free from material fraud or error. We also considered the possibility of fraudulent or corrupt 
payments made through the purchase to pay process by overriding the controls put in place by the Company. Where 
exceptions and instances of risk behaviour patterns were identified through data analytics, we performed additional audit 
procedures. These procedures included testing of transactions back to the source information and were designed to provide 
reasonable assurance that the financial statements were free from fraud or error. 

 - Based on this understanding we designed our audit procedures to identify non-compliance with such laws and regulations. 

Our procedures involved journal entry testing, with a focus on journals meeting our defined risk criteria based on our 
understanding of the business; inquiries of legal counsel, group management, internal audit and all full and specific scope 
management; review of volume and nature of whistleblowing complaints received during the year.

 - If any instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations were identified, these were communicated to the relevant local 
EY teams which performed sufficient and appropriate audit procedures to address the risk identified, supplemented by audit 
procedures performed at the Group level. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting 
Council’s website at https://www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Other matters we are required to address 
 - Following the recommendation from the Audit Committee we were appointed by the Company at its AGM on 23 April 2020 

to audit the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2020 and subsequent financial periods. 

 - The period of total uninterrupted engagement is one year, representing the period from the date of our appointment through 

to the period ended 31 December 2020.

 - The non-audit services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to the Group or the Parent Company and 

we remain independent of the group and the parent company in conducting the audit. 

 - The audit opinion is consistent with the additional report to the Audit Committee.

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies Act 
2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are required to 
state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume 
responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or 
for the opinions we have formed. 

Paul Wallek (Senior Statutory Auditor)
for and on behalf of Ernst & Young LLP, Statutory Auditor 
London 

10 March 2021

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Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Group income statement
Year ended 31 December 2020

Continuing activities
Revenue
Other operating income – lost production insurance proceeds
Cost of sales 

Gross profit 
Administrative expenses 
(Loss)/gain on disposal
Exploration costs written off
Impairment of property, plant and equipment, net
Restructuring costs and provisions for onerous contracts

Operating loss
Loss on hedging instruments
Finance revenue
Finance costs 

Loss from continuing activities before tax 
Income tax credit/(expense)

Loss for the year from continuing activities 
Attributable to:
Owners of the Company

Loss per ordinary share from continuing activities

Basic
Diluted 

Group statement of comprehensive income and expense
Year ended 31 December 2020

Loss for the year
Items that may be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent periods
Cash flow hedges
  Gain/(loss) arising in the year
  Losses arising in the year – time value
  Reclassification adjustments for items included in profit on realisation
  Reclassification adjustments for items included in loss on realisation – time value
Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations

Other comprehensive income/(expense)

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive (expense)/income

Net other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year

Total comprehensive expense for the year

Attributable to:
Owners of the Company

Notes

2020
$m

2019 
$m

2
6
4

4

10
11
 4,21

19
5
5

7

8

1,396.1
 –
(993.6)

402.5
(86.7)
(3.4)
(986.7)
(250.6)
(92.8)

(1,017.7)
(0.8)
59.4
(314.3)

 1,682.6 
 42.7 
(966.7)

 758.6 
(111.5)
 6.6 
(1,253.4)
(781.2)
(4.2)

(1,385.1)
(1.5)
 55.5
(322.3)

(1,273.4)
51.9

(1,653.4)
(40.7)

(1,221.5)

(1,694.1)

(1,221.5)

(1,694.1)

¢

(86.6)
(86.6)

¢

(120.8)
(120.8)

Notes

2020
$m

2019 
$m

(1,221.5)

(1,694.1)

19
19
19
19

271.0
(37.3)
(268.1)
49.4
(5.3)

9.8

(2.7)

7.1

(118.6)
(73.6)
(7.6)
61.0
(3.5)

(142.3)

–

(142.3)

(1,214.4)

(1,836.4)

(1,214.4)

(1,836.4)

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

93

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group balance sheet
As at 31 December 2020

ASSETS 
Non-current assets 
Intangible exploration and evaluation assets
Property, plant and equipment 
Other non-current assets
Derivative financial instruments
Deferred tax assets

Current assets 
Inventories 
Trade receivables 
Other current assets
Current tax assets
Derivative financial instruments
Cash and cash equivalents 
Assets classified as held for sale

Total assets 

LIABILITIES 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions
Borrowings
Current tax liabilities 
Derivative financial instruments
Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

Non-current liabilities 
Trade and other payables
Borrowings 
Provisions 
Deferred tax liabilities
Derivative financial instruments

Total liabilities 

Net (liabilities)/assets

EQUITY
Called-up share capital 
Share premium
Equity component of convertible bonds
Foreign currency translation reserve
Hedge reserve
Hedge reserve – time value
Merger reserve
Retained earnings 

Equity attributable to equity holders of the Company

Total equity

Approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 9 March 2021.

Rahul Dhir 
Chief Executive Officer 

Les Wood
Chief Financial Officer

9 March 2021 

9 March 2021

94

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes

2020
$m

2019 
$m

10
11
12
19
22

13
14
12
7
19
15
16

17
21
18

19
16

17
18
21
22
19

23
23

19
19

368.2
3,237.9
547.4
2.6
494.3

1,764.4
3,891.7
623.2
3.1
517.5

4,650.4

 6,799.9 

96.1
79.0
 717.1
 36.4 
 17.2 
 805.4 
 155.6 

 191.5 
 38.7 
 928.7 
42.9 
 0.7 
288.8 
 – 

1,906.8

 1,491.3 

6,557.2

 8,291.2

 (750.7)
 (229.8)
 (3,170.5)
 (52.2)
 (17.8)
(187.3)

(1,127.6)
(172.8)
–
(159.6)
(14.8)
–

 (4,408.3)

(1,474.8)

(1,064.7)
–
 (620.9)
 (673.3)
–

(1,212.9)
(3,071.7)
(753.6)
(793.4)
(1.2)

 (2,358.9)

(5,832.8)

 (6,767.2)

(7,307.6)

 (210.0)

 983.6 

211.7
1,294.7
48.4
(247.4)
4.8
(5.4)
755.2
(2,272.0)

(210.0)

(210.0)

 210.9 
 1,294.7 
 48.4 
(242.1)
 4.6 
(17.5)
 755.2
(1,070.6)

983.6

 983.6

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group statement of changes in equity (restated)
Year ended 31 December 2020

Share
capital
$m

Share
premium
$m

Notes

Equity 
component
of
convertible
bonds
$m

Foreign
 currency 
translation
reserve 1

$m

Hedge
 reserve 
– time 
value 2
$m

Hedge
reserve 2
$m

Merger 
Reserve 
$m

Retained
earnings 
$m

Total
equity 
$m

At 1 January 2019
(previously reported)
Restatement3

At 1 January 2019 
(as adjusted) 
Loss for the year
Hedges, net of tax
Currency translation 
adjustments
Exercising of 
employee share 
options
Share-based 
payment charges 
Dividends paid

At 1 January 2020 
(as adjusted)
Loss for the year
Hedges, net of tax
Currency translation 
adjustments
Exercising of 
employee share 
options
Share-based 
payment charges 

19

23

24
29

19

23

24

 209.1 
 – 

 1,344.2 
 (49.5)

 209.1 
 – 
 – 

1,294.7
 –
 – 

 – 

1.8

 – 
 – 

 – 

–

 – 
 – 

 48.4 
 – 

 48.4 
 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 210.9 
– 
– 

 1,294.7 
 –
 –

 48.4 
– 
– 

– 

0.8

– 

 –

 –

 –

– 

– 

– 

(238.6)
 – 

 130.8 
 – 

(4.9)
 – 

 755.2 
 – 

 649.0 
 49.5

 2,893.2 
 –

(238.6)
 – 
 – 

(3.5)

 – 

 – 
 – 

(242.1)
– 
– 

(5.3) 

– 

– 

 130.8 
 – 
(126.2)

(4.9)
 – 
 (12.6) 

 755.2 
–
 – 

698.5 
(1,694.1)
 – 

 2,893.2 
(1,694.1)
(138.8)

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

4.6
– 
0.2 

– 

– 

– 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 
 – 

 – 

(3.5)

(1.8)

–

 27.7 
(100.9)

 27.7 
(100.9)

(17.5)
– 
12.1 

 755.2 
– 
– 

(1,070.6)
(1,221.5)
– 

983.6
(1,221.5)
12.3

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

(5.3)

(0.8)

– 

20.9

20.9

At 31 December 2020

211.7

1,294.7

48.4

(247.4)

4.8

(5.4)

755.2

(2,272.0)

(210.0)

1.  The foreign currency translation reserve represents exchange gains and losses arising on translation of foreign currency subsidiaries, monetary items receivable 
from or payable to a foreign operation for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur, which form part of the net investment in a foreign operation, 
and exchange gains or losses arising on long term foreign currency borrowings which are a hedge against the Group’s overseas investments.

2.  The hedge reserve represents gains and losses on derivatives classified as effective cash flow hedges.

3.  Comparative information in respect of share premium and retained earnings have been restated in relation to the treatment of the exercise of nil-cost employee 
share options which are issued at nominal value rather than market value as previously recognised. This has a $49.5 million and $35.8 million impact on the 
opening position as at 1 January 2019 and on the options issued in 2019 respectively.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

95

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
Group cash flow statement
Year ended 31 December 2020

Cash flows from operating activities
Loss from continuing activities before tax 
Adjustments for: 
Depreciation, depletion and amortisation 
Loss/(gain) on disposal
Exploration costs written off 
Impairment of property, plant and equipment, net
Restructuring costs and provision for onerous contracts
Payment under restructuring costs and provision for onerous contracts
Decommissioning expenditure
Share-based payment charge
Loss on hedging instruments
Finance revenue 
Finance costs 

Operating cash flow before working capital movements
Decrease in trade and other receivables 
Decrease/(increase) in inventories 
Decrease in trade payables 

Cash generated from operating activities

Income taxes paid

Net cash from operating activities 

Cash flows from investing activities 
Proceeds from disposals
Purchase of intangible exploration and evaluation assets
Purchase of property, plant and equipment 
Interest received 

Net cash from/(used) in investing activities 

Cash flows from financing activities 
Repayment of borrowings
Drawdown of borrowings
Payment of obligations under leases
Finance costs paid
Dividends paid

Net cash used in financing activities 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 
Foreign exchange gain/(loss)

Notes

2020
$m

2019
$m

(1,273.4)

(1,653.4)

11

10
11

21
24
19
5
5

9
28
28

28
28
20

29

467.1
3.4
986.7
250.6
92.8
(58.4)
(57.7)
20.9
0.8
(59.4)
314.3

687.7
195.2
85.1
(161.9)

 724.6 
(6.6)
 1,253.4 
 781.2 
(0.4)
(20.4)
(75.1)
 24.8 
 1.5 
(55.5)
 322.3 

 1,296.4
 241.4 
(56.6)
(131.5)

806.1

 1,349.7

(107.5)

(91.0)

698.6

 1,258.7 

513.4
(213.6)
(217.3)
1.8

84.3

(185.0)
270.0
(158.2)
(198.5)
 –

(271.7)

511.2
288.8
5.4

 7.0 
(259.4)
(261.5)
 1.9 

(512.0)

(520.0)
 375.0 
(172.1)
(215.4)
(100.9)

(633.4)

 113.3 
 179.8 
(4.3)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

15

805.4

288.8

96

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounting policies
Year ended 31 December 2020

(a) General information
Tullow Oil plc is a company incorporated and domiciled in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act 2006. The address of 
the registered office is Tullow Oil plc, Building 9, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5XT. The primary activity 
of the Group is the discovery and production of oil and gas.

(b) Adoption of new and revised standards
New International Financial Reporting Standards adopted
The Group has applied the following standards and amendments for the first time for their annual reporting period commencing 
1 January 2020:

 - Definition of Material – Amendments to IAS 1 and IAS 8.

 - Definition of a Business – Amendments to IFRS 3.

 - Interest Rate Benchmark Reform – Amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7.

 - Conceptual Framework for Financial Reporting.

The amendments listed above did not have any impact on the amounts recognised in prior periods and are not expected to 
significantly affect the current or future periods.

Upcoming International Financial Reporting Standards not yet adopted
Certain new accounting standards, amendments and interpretations have been published that are not mandatory for 31 December 2020 
reporting periods and have not been early adopted by the Group. These standards are not expected to have a material impact 
on the entity in the current or future reporting periods and on foreseeable future transactions.

(c) Changes in accounting policy 
The Group’s accounting policies are consistent with the prior year.

(d) Basis of preparation
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards in conformity with the 
requirements of the Companies Act 2006. The Financial Statements have also been prepared in accordance with International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.

The Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments and 
contingent consideration which have been measured at fair value which are carried at fair value less cost to sell. The Financial 
Statements are presented in US dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest $0.1 million, except where otherwise stated. 
The principal accounting policies adopted by the Group are set out below. 

Liquidity risk management and going concern
Assessment period and assumptions
The Group closely monitors and carefully manages its liquidity risk. Cash flow forecasts are regularly updated, and sensitivities 
run for different scenarios, including, but not limited to, changes in commodity price and different forecasts for the Group’s 
producing assets. The Directors consider the going concern assessment period to be 13 months to April 2022, thereby including 
the maturity of the $650 million Senior Notes due in April 2022 in the assessment. Management has applied the following oil 
price assumptions for the going concern assessment:

 - Base Case: $50/bbl for 2021, $55/bbl for 2022, and

 - Low Case: $45/bbl for 2021, $50/bbl for 2022.

The Low Case includes, amongst other downside assumptions, an 8 per cent production decrease compared to the Base Case 
as well as deferred receipts from portfolio management and increased outflows associated with ongoing disputes. No mitigating 
actions have been included in either cases.

The Base Case and Low Case scenarios forecast sufficient financial headroom for the 12 months from approval of the 2020 
Annual Report and Accounts on 10 March 2021. However both scenarios forecast a liquidity shortfall in April 2022 following the 
repayment of the $650 million Senior Notes due in April 2022, which falls within the Liquidity Forecast Test periods in respect 
of the February 2021, September 2021 and March 2022 RBL redeterminations. Both cases assume amendments or waivers are 
received for any forecast Liquidity Forecast Test or gearing covenant breach as described below.

Refinancing Proposal
The Base Case and Low Case scenarios forecast a liquidity shortfall in April 2022, which could result in a failure to pass the Liquidity 
Forecast Test, as described below, in respect of the February 2021, September 2021 and March 2022 RBL redeterminations, and 
the gearing covenant tests, as described below, in respect of 30 June 2021 and 31 December 2021. The Group’s management 
has therefore commenced discussions with its existing and potential new creditors, the objective of which is to raise new funding 
and/or agree certain amendments to the terms, including the covenants and/or maturity dates, of some or all of the RBL facility, 
the Convertible Bonds, the 2022 Senior Notes and the 2025 Senior Notes with, if necessary, such amendments being approved 
by shareholders (Refinancing Proposal). Whilst the Directors believe that a Refinancing Proposal would be in the commercial 
interests of all stakeholders, there can be no certainty that the creditors and, if necessary, shareholders will agree to a 
Refinancing Proposal, implementation of which is therefore outside the control of the Group. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

97

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(d) Basis of preparation continued
Liquidity Forecast Test covenant compliance
As part of each RBL redetermination process the Group is required to demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the relevant 
majority of its lenders under the RBL facility that it has, or will have, sufficient funds available to meet the Group’s financial commitments 
for a period of 18 months starting from the first month immediately following the relevant RBL redetermination (Liquidity Forecast Test).

On 26 February 2021 the Group submitted a Liquidity Forecast Test to the lenders in respect of the February 2021 RBL 
redetermination. The Directors concluded that the information submitted to the lenders under the RBL facility fulfilled the 
requirements of the Liquidity Forecast Test. At the date of approving the Annual Report and Accounts, an approval in respect 
of this test is yet to be received, therefore a risk remains that the Group could fail this test. 

If the lenders under the RBL facility were to conclude that the information submitted does not fulfil the requirements of the Liquidity 
Forecast Test and the Group was unable to cure the resulting default by the end of April 2021, there would be an event of default. 
Such event of default would allow the lenders under the RBL facility, at their discretion, to cancel the RBL facility and demand that all 
outstanding borrowings under the RBL facility be repaid and/or enforce their security rights. This would in turn trigger other creditors’ 
rights to call cross-defaults under the other financing arrangements of the Group (namely the Convertible Bonds, the 2022 Senior 
Notes and the 2025 Senior Notes) which could result in the entirety of the Group’s borrowings potentially becoming immediately 
repayable by the end of April 2021. While discussions in respect of a Refinancing Proposal are continuing the Directors believe 
that, if required, a waiver of such a potential event of default in respect of the Liquidity Forecast Test could be agreed with the 
lenders under the RBL facility.

The Group is also required to submit Liquidity Forecast Tests in respect of the September 2021 and March 2022 RBL redeterminations. 
The Base Case and Low Case scenarios forecast, before mitigations, a potential liquidity shortfall and therefore a potential failure 
of these tests. However, the Directors believe that a Refinancing Proposal could be implemented in time for the September 2021 
RBL redetermination such that no shortfall will be forecast as part of the Liquidity Forecast Tests in September 2021 and March 2022. 
If no Refinancing Proposal has been implemented, and refinancing discussions were no longer continuing, by September 2021 
there would be a significant risk of the Group entering into, or being in, insolvency proceedings, the implications of which are 
described in the section Implications and material uncertainties below.

Gearing covenant compliance
The RBL facility contains a gearing covenant which is tested for each 12-month period ending on 30 June and 31 December each 
year, and which requires that net debt of the Group as defined in the RBL facility agreement is lower than 3.5 times consolidated 
EBITDAX (earnings before interest tax, depreciation and exploration write-offs) for each relevant 12-month period. Under both 
the Base Case and the Low Case scenarios, the Group’s gearing is forecast to be in excess of the RBL gearing covenant when 
calculated at 30 June 2021 and 31 December 2021, the two testing dates falling within the going concern assessment period. 

The Group has requested an amendment in respect of these gearing covenant testing dates as part of the Refinancing Proposal 
described above. In the event that such amendments are not agreed on time for the testing date falling on 30 June 2021, the 
Directors would expect to request a waiver or amendment for that testing date only in the first instance, and if needed for the 
testing date falling on 31 December 2021 in the second half of the year. The Directors believe that the Group would be able to 
secure such amendments or waivers, which would be both consistent with past practice and the Directors’ reasonable 
expectation of the commercial interests of the Group and its lenders. 

If the Group is unable to agree an amendment or waiver of the gearing covenant, if required, in respect of the 30 June 2021 testing 
date, the Directors will deliver to the relevant lenders a notification of non-compliance, which is required to be delivered as soon 
as the Group’s unaudited financial statements for the half year ended 30 June are available, but no later than 28 September 2021. 
If a subsequent 75-day period expires without the Company having resolved the non-compliance there will be an event of default 
under the RBL facility by mid-December 2021.

Implications and material uncertainties
The Directors note that implementing a Refinancing Proposal or obtaining amendments or waivers in respect of covenant 
breaches is outside the control of the Group. If the Directors were unable to implement a Refinancing Proposal or, if necessary, 
obtain amendments or waivers in respect of covenant breaches, the ability of the Group to continue trading would depend upon 
the Group being able to negotiate a financial restructuring proposal with its creditors and, if necessary, that proposal being 
approved by shareholders. Whilst the Board would seek to negotiate such a financial restructuring proposal with its creditors, 
there is no certainty that the creditors would engage with the Board in those circumstances. There would therefore be a 
significant risk of the Group entering into insolvency proceedings, which the Directors consider would likely result in limited 
or no value being returned to shareholders.

The Directors have concluded that the uncertainties associated with implementing a Refinancing Proposal and obtaining 
amendments or waivers in respect of covenant breaches or, in the event a Refinancing Proposal is implemented, the revised 
covenants are subsequently breached, are material uncertainties that may cast significant doubt that the Group will be able 
to continue as a going concern. Notwithstanding these material uncertainties, the Board’s confidence in the Group’s ability to 
implement a Refinancing Proposal supports the preparation of the financial statements on a going concern basis. The financial 
statements do not include the adjustments that would result if the Group were unable to continue as a going concern. 

98

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Accounting policies continuedYear ended 31 December 2020(e) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated Financial Statements incorporate the Financial Statements of the Company and entities controlled by the 
Company (its subsidiaries) made up to 31 December each year. Control is achieved where the Company has the power over an 
investee entity, is exposed, or has rights, to variable returns from its involvement with the investee and has the ability to use its 
power to affect its returns. 

The results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the Group income statement from the 
transaction date of acquisition, being the date on which the Group gains control, and will continue to be included until the date 
that control ceases.

Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into 
line with those used by the Group.

All intra-Group transactions, balances, income and expenses are eliminated on consolidation.

Joint arrangements
The Group is engaged in oil and gas exploration, development and production through unincorporated joint arrangements; these 
are classified as joint operations in accordance with IFRS 11. The Group accounts for its share of the results and assets and liabilities 
of these joint operations. In addition, where Tullow acts as operator to the joint operation, the gross liabilities and receivables 
(including amounts due to or from non-operating partners) of the joint operation are included in the Group’s balance sheet.

(f) Assets classified as held for sale 
Non-current assets or disposal groups classified as held for sale are measured at the lower of carrying amount and fair value 
less costs to sell. A loss for any initial or subsequent write-down of the asset or disposal group to a revised fair value less costs 
to sell is recognised at each reporting date. Non-current assets and disposal groups are classified as held for sale if their carrying 
amount will be recovered through a sale transaction rather than through continuing use. This condition is regarded as met only 
when the sale is highly probable and the asset (or disposal group) is available for immediate sale in its present condition. Management 
must be committed to the sale, which should be expected to qualify for recognition as a completed sale within one year from the 
date of classification. Assets and corresponding liabilities classified as held for sale are presented separately as current items 
in the statement of financial position.

If the above criteria are no longer met, the asset ceases to be recognised as held for sale and is reclassified to intangible 
exploration and evaluation assets or to property, plant and equipment. It is then valued at the lower of its carrying value 
before the asset was classified as held for sale and the recoverable amount at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. 
Any adjustment to the value is shown in income from continuing operations for the year.

(g) Revenue from contracts with customers
Revenue from contracts with customers represents the sales value, net of VAT, of the Group’s share of liftings in the year. Revenue 
is recognised when performance obligations have been met, which is typically when goods are delivered and title has passed.

Gains and losses on realisation of cash flow hedges and tariff income classified as held primarily for the purpose of being 
traded are reported in the Group income statement.

(h) Over/underlift
Lifting or offtake arrangements for oil and gas produced in certain of the Group’s jointly owned operations are such that each 
participant may not receive and sell its precise share of the overall production in each period. The resulting imbalance between 
cumulative entitlement and cumulative production less stock is underlift or overlift. Underlift and overlift are valued at market 
value and included within receivables and payables respectively. Movements during an accounting period are adjusted through 
cost of sales such that gross profit is recognised on an entitlements basis.

(i) Inventory 
Inventories, other than oil products, are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost is determined on a weighted 
average cost basis and comprises direct purchase costs. Net realisable value is determined by reference to prices existing at 
the balance sheet date.

Oil product is stated at net realisable value and changes in net realisable value are recognised in the income statement.

(j) Foreign currencies
The US dollar is the presentational currency of the Group. For the purpose of presenting consolidated financial statements, 
the assets and liabilities of the Group’s non-US dollar-denominated entities are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the 
balance sheet date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. Currency translation 
adjustments arising on the restatement of opening net assets of non-US dollar subsidiaries, together with differences between 
the subsidiaries’ results translated at average rates versus closing rates, are recognised in the statement of comprehensive 
income and expense and transferred to the foreign currency translation reserve. All resulting exchange differences are 
classified as equity until disposal of the subsidiary. On disposal, the cumulative amounts of the exchange differences are 
recognised as income or expense.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

99

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(j) Foreign currencies continued
Transactions in foreign currencies are recorded at the rates of exchange ruling at the transaction dates. Monetary assets and 
liabilities are translated into functional currency at the exchange rate ruling at the balance sheet date, with a corresponding charge or 
credit to the income statement. However, exchange gains and losses arising on monetary items receivable from or payable to a foreign 
operation for which settlement is neither planned nor likely to occur, which form part of the net investment in a foreign operation, are 
recognised in the foreign currency translation reserve and recognised in profit or loss on disposal of the net investment. 

in addition, exchange gains and losses arising on long term foreign currency borrowings which are a hedge against the Group’s 
overseas investments are dealt with in reserves.

(k) Intangible, exploration and evaluation assets and Oil and Gas assets
The Group adopts the successful efforts method of accounting for exploration and evaluation costs. Pre-licence costs are 
expensed in the period in which they are incurred. All licence acquisition, exploration and evaluation costs and directly 
attributable administration costs are initially capitalised in cost centres by well, field or exploration area, as appropriate. 

These costs are then written off as exploration costs in the income statement unless commercial reserves have been 
established or the determination process has not been completed and there are no indications of impairment. 

Exploration and evaluation assets are tested for impairment when reclassified to development assets, or whenever facts and 
circumstances indicate impairment. An impairment loss is recognised for the amounts by which the exploration and evaluation 
assets’ carrying amount exceeds their recoverable amount. The recoverable amount is the higher of the exploration and 
evaluation asset’s fair value less cost to sell and their value in use.

Once commercial reserves are found, exploration and evaluation assets are tested for impairment and transferred to 
development assets. No depreciation and/or amortisation is charged during the exploration and evaluation phase.

All field development costs are capitalised as property, plant and equipment. Property, plant and equipment related 
to production activities is amortised in accordance with the Group’s depletion and amortisation accounting policy.

Cash consideration received on farm-down of exploration and evaluation assets is credited against the carrying value of the asset. 
The excess amount over the carrying value of the asset is recognised as a gain on disposal of exploration and evaluation assets in 
the statement of profit or loss.

(l) Commercial reserves
Commercial reserves are proven and probable oil and gas reserves, which are defined as the estimated quantities of crude oil, 
natural gas and natural gas liquids which geological, geophysical and engineering data demonstrate with a specified degree of 
certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs and which are considered commercially producible. There 
should be a 50 per cent statistical probability that the actual quantity of recoverable reserves will be more than the amount 
estimated as proven and probable reserves and a 50 per cent statistical probability that it will be less.

(m) Depletion and amortisation

All expenditure carried within each field is amortised from the commencement of production on a unit of production basis, 
which is the ratio of oil and gas production in the period to the estimated quantities of commercial reserves at the end of the 
period plus the production in the period, generally on a field-by-field basis or by a group of fields which are reliant on common 
infrastructure. Costs used in the unit of production calculation comprise the net book value of capitalised costs plus the estimated 
future field development costs required to recover the commercial reserves remaining. Changes in the estimates of commercial 
reserves or future field development costs are dealt with prospectively.

(n) Impairment of property, plant and equipment
The Group assesses at each reporting date whether there is an indication that an asset (or CGU) may be impaired. In assessing 
whether an impairment is required, the carrying value of the asset or CGU is compared with its recoverable amount. The recoverable 
amount is the higher of the asset’s/CGU’s fair value less costs of disposal (FVLCD) and value in use (VIU). Given the nature of the 
Group’s activities, information on the fair value of an asset is usually difficult to obtain unless negotiations with potential purchasers or 
similar transactions are taking place. Consequently, unless indicated otherwise, the recoverable amount used in assessing the 
impairment charges described below is VIU. The Group generally estimates VIU using a discounted cash flow model.

In order to discount the future cash flows the Group calculates asset or CGU-specific discount rates. 

The discount rates are based on an assessment of a relevant peer group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital (WACC). 
The post-tax WACC is subsequently grossed up to a pre-tax rate. The Group then deducts any exploration risk premium which 
is implicit within a peer group’s WACC and subsequently applies additional country risk premium for all CGUs, an element of 
which is determined by whether the assets are onshore or offshore. 

Where there is evidence of economic interdependency between fields, such as common infrastructure, the fields are grouped 
as a single CGU for impairment purposes.

Where conditions giving rise to impairment subsequently reverse, the effect of the impairment charge is also reversed as a 
credit to the income statement, net of any amortisation that would have been charged since the impairment.

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Accounting policies continuedYear ended 31 December 2020(o) Decommissioning
Provision for decommissioning is recognised in full when the related facilities are installed. A corresponding amount equivalent 
to the provision is also recognised as part of the cost of the related property, plant and equipment. The amount recognised is the 
estimated cost of decommissioning, discounted to its net present value using a risk-free rate, and is re-assessed each year in 
accordance with local conditions and requirements. Changes in the estimated timing of decommissioning or decommissioning 
cost estimates are dealt with prospectively by recording an adjustment to the provision, and a corresponding adjustment to 
property, plant and equipment. The unwinding of the discount on the decommissioning provision is included as a finance cost.

(p) Property, plant and equipment – non oil and gas assets
Property, plant and equipment is stated in the balance sheet at cost less accumulated depreciation and any recognised impairment loss. 
Depreciation on property, plant and equipment other than production assets is provided at rates calculated to write off the cost less the 
estimated residual value of each asset on a straight-line basis over its expected useful economic life of between three and ten years.

(q) Borrowing costs
Borrowing costs directly attributable to the acquisition, construction or production of qualifying assets, which are assets that 
necessarily take a substantial period of time to get ready for their intended use or sale, are added to the cost of those assets, 
until such time as the assets are substantially ready for their intended use or sale.

All other finance costs, which include interest on borrowings calculated using the effective interest method as described in 
paragraph (aa), obligations under finance leases, the unwinding effect of discounting provisions and exchange differences, are 
recognised in the income statement in the period in which they are incurred.

(r) Share issue expenses and share premium account
Costs of share issues are written off against the premium arising on the issues of share capital.

(s) Taxation
Current and deferred tax, including UK corporation tax and overseas corporation tax, are provided at amounts expected to be paid 
using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred corporation 
tax is recognised on all temporary differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions 
or events that result in an obligation to pay more, or right to pay less, tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. 
Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is considered more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable 
profits from which the underlying temporary differences can be deducted. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on acquisitions that are categorised as business combinations. 
Deferred tax is recognised at acquisition as part of the assessment of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. Any 
deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement as the underlying temporary difference is reversed.

Petroleum revenue tax (PRT) is treated as an income tax and deferred PRT is accounted for under the temporary difference 
method. Current UK PRT is charged as a tax expense on chargeable field profits included in the income statement and is 
deductible for UK corporation tax.

(t) Pensions
Contributions to the Group’s defined contribution pension schemes are charged to operating profit on an accrual basis. 

(u) Derivative financial instruments 
The Group uses derivative financial instruments, such as forward currency contracts and commodity options contracts, to hedge its 
foreign currency risks and commodity price risks respectively. 

Derivatives are recognised initially at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to 
their fair value at each reporting date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately unless the derivative is 
designated and effective as a hedging instrument, in which event the timing of the recognition in profit or loss depends on the nature 
of the hedge relationship.

For the purpose of hedge accounting, hedges are classified as:

 - fair value hedges when hedging the exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognised asset or liability or an unrecognised 

firm commitment;

 - cash flow hedges when hedging the exposure to variability in cash flows that is either attributable to a particular risk 

associated with a recognised asset or liability or a highly probable forecast transaction or the foreign currency risk in an 
unrecognised firm commitment; and

 - hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation.

At the inception of a hedge relationship, the Group formally designates and documents the hedge relationship to which it wishes 
to apply hedge accounting and the risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge. 

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(u) Derivative financial instruments continued
The documentation includes identification of the hedging instrument, the hedged item, the nature of the risk being hedged and 
how the Group will assess whether the hedging relationship meets the hedge effectiveness requirements (including the analysis 
of sources of hedge ineffectiveness and how the hedge ratio is determined). A hedging relationship qualifies for hedge accounting 
if it meets all of the following effectiveness requirements: 

 - There is ‘an economic relationship’ between the hedged item and the hedging instrument. 

 - The effect of credit risk does not ‘dominate the value changes’ that result from that economic relationship. 

 - The hedge ratio of the hedging relationship is the same as that resulting from the quantity of the hedged item that the Group 
actually hedges and the quantity of the hedging instrument that the Group actually uses to hedge that quantity of hedged item. 

If a hedging relationship ceases to meet the hedge effectiveness requirement relating to the hedge ratio but the risk management 
objective for that designated hedging relationship remains the same, the Group adjusts the hedge ratio of the hedging relationship  
(i.e. rebalances the hedge) so that it meets the qualifying criteria again. 

The Group designates only the intrinsic value of option contracts as a hedged item, i.e. excluding the time value of the option. The 
changes in the fair value of the aligned time value of the option are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in 
the time value hedge reserve. If the hedged item is transaction related, the time value is reclassified to profit or loss when the hedged 
item affects profit or loss. If the hedged item is time-period related, then the amount accumulated in the time value hedge reserve is 
reclassified to profit or loss on a rational basis. Those reclassified amounts are recognised in profit or loss in the same line as the 
hedged item. Furthermore, if the Group expects that some or all of the loss accumulated in hedging reserve will not be recovered in 
the future, that amount is immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

Interest income is accrued on a time basis, by reference to the principal outstanding and at the effective interest rate applicable, 
which is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts through the expected life of the financial asset to that 
asset’s net carrying amount.

Cash flow hedges
The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is recognised in OCI in the cash flow hedge reserve, while any 
ineffective portion is recognised immediately in the statement of profit or loss. The cash flow hedge reserve is adjusted to the 
lower of the cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument and the cumulative change in fair value of the hedged item. 

The Group uses oil option contracts for its exposure to volatility of Dated Brent prices. The ineffective portion relating to option 
contracts is recognised as gain or loss on hedging instruments in the Group income statement. 

Amounts previously recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in equity are reclassified to profit or loss in the 
periods when the hedged item affects profit or loss, in the same line as the recognised hedged item.

Cash flow hedge accounting is discontinued only when the hedging relationship or a part thereof ceases to meet the qualifying 
criteria. This includes when the designated hedged forecast transaction or part thereof is no longer considered to be highly 
probable to occur, or when the hedging instrument is sold, terminated or exercised without replacement or rollover. When cash 
flow hedge accounting is discontinued, amounts previously recognised within other comprehensive income remain in equity 
until the forecast transaction occurs and are reclassified to profit or loss or transferred to the initial carrying amount of a 
non-financial asset or liability as above. If the forecast transaction is no longer expected to occur, amounts previously 
recognised within other comprehensive income will be immediately reclassified to profit or loss.

(v) Convertible bonds
Where bonds issued with certain conversion rights are identified as compound instruments, the liability and equity components 
are separately recognised. The fair value of the liability component on initial recognition is calculated by discounting the contractual 
stream of future cash flows using the prevailing market interest rate for similar non-convertible debt. The difference between 
the fair value of the liability component and the fair value of the whole instrument is recorded as equity.

Transaction costs are apportioned between the liability and the equity components of the instrument based on the amounts 
initially recognised. The liability component is subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate 
method, in line with our other financial liabilities. The equity component is not remeasured. On conversion of the instrument, 
equity is issued and the liability component is derecognised. The original equity component recognised at inception remains in 
equity. No gain or loss is recognised on conversion.

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Accounting policies continuedYear ended 31 December 2020(w) Leases
On inception of a contract, the Group assesses whether the contract is, or contains, a lease. The contract is, or contains, a lease 
if it conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time in exchange for consideration. To determine 
whether the contract conveys the right to control the use of an identified asset, the Group assesses whether the contract involves 
the use of an identified asset, the Group has the right to obtain substantially all of the economic benefits from the use of the 
asset throughout the period of use, and the Group has the right to direct the use of the asset.

i) Lessee accounting
Leases are recognised as a right-of-use asset and a corresponding liability at the date at which the leased asset is available for 
use by the Group. The right-of-use asset is initially measured at cost, which comprises the initial amount of the lease liability, in 
case of Joint operation, adjusted for any amount receivable from Joint Venture Partners and any lease payments made at or 
before the commencement date, plus any initial direct costs incurred and an estimate of costs required to remove or restore the 
underlying asset, less any lease incentives received. The right-of-use asset is depreciated over the shorter of the asset’s useful 
life and the lease term on a straight-line basis, or applying the unit of production method, and the Joint Venture receivable is 
allocated against the monthly Joint Venture billing cycle.

The initial measurement of the corresponding lease liability is at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at the 
lease commencement date, discounted using the interest rate implicit in the lease or, if that rate cannot be readily determined, 
the Group’s incremental borrowing rate.

The lease payments include fixed payments, less any lease incentive receivable, variable leases payments based on an index 
or rate, and amounts expected to be payable by the lessee under residual value guarantees.

The lease liability is subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method. It is remeasured when there 
is a change in future lease payments arising from a change in an index or rate, if there is a change in the Group’s estimate of the 
amount expected to be payable under a residual value guarantee or if the Group changes its assessment of whether it will 
exercise a purchase, extension or termination option.

When the lease liability is remeasured in this way, a corresponding adjustment is made to the carrying amount of the right-of-use 
asset or is recorded in profit or loss if the carrying amount of the right-of-use asset has been reduced to zero.

The Group has elected not to recognise right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for short term leases that have a lease term 
of 12 months or less, and leases of low-value assets with an annual cost of $5,000. 

Over the course of a lease contract, there will be taxable timing differences that could give rise to deferred tax, subject to local 
tax laws and regulations.

Extension and termination options are included in a number of property and equipment leases across the Group. These are 
used to maximise operational flexibility in terms of managing the assets used in the Group’s operations. The majority of 
extension and termination options held are exercisable only by the Group and not by the respective lessor. 

(x) Share-based payments
The Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 Share-based Payments. The Group has share-based awards that are equity 
settled and cash settled as defined by IFRS 2. The fair value of the equity settled awards has been determined at the date of grant 
of the award allowing for the effect of any market-based performance conditions. This fair value, adjusted by the Group’s estimate 
of the number of awards that will eventually vest as a result of non-market conditions, is expensed uniformly over the vesting period.

The fair values were calculated using a binomial option pricing model with suitable modifications to allow for employee turnover 
after vesting and early exercise. Where necessary, this model is supplemented with a Monte Carlo model. The inputs to the models 
include: the share price at date of grant; exercise price; expected volatility; expected dividends; risk-free rate of interest; and 
patterns of exercise of the plan participants.

For cash settled awards, a liability is recognised for the goods or service acquired, measured initially at the fair value of the liability. 
At each balance sheet date until the liability is settled, and at the date of settlement, the fair value of the liability is remeasured, 
with any changes in fair value recognised in the income statement.

(y) Financial assets
At initial recognition, the Group measures a financial asset at its fair value plus, in the case of a financial asset not at fair value 
through profit or loss (FVPL), transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the financial asset. Transaction 
costs of financial assets carried at FVPL are expensed in profit or loss. The subsequent measurement of financial assets 
depends on their classification, as set out overleaf.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS(y) Financial assets continued
i) Financial assets measured at amortised cost 
Assets are subsequently classified and measured at amortised cost when the business model of the Company is to collect contractual 
cash flows and the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. These assets are carried 
at amortised cost using the effective interest method if the time value of money is significant. Gains and losses are recognised in profit 
or loss when the assets are derecognised, modified or impaired. This category of financial assets includes trade and other receivables.

Financial assets measured at amortised cost include trade receivables, loans and other receivables that have fixed or determinable 
payments that are not quoted in an active market. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method, less any impairment. Interest income is recognised by applying the effective interest rate, except for short term 
receivables when the recognition of interest would be immaterial.

ii) Financial asset measured at fair value through other comprehensive income
Assets are subsequently classified and measured at fair value through other comprehensive income when the business model 
of the Company is to collect contractual cash flows and sell the financial assets, and the contractual cash flows represent solely 
payments of principal and interest. 

iii) Financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss
Financial assets are classified as measured at fair value through profit or loss when the asset does not meet the criteria to be 
measured at amortised cost or fair value through other comprehensive income. These assets are carried on the balance sheet at fair 
value with gains or losses recognised in the income statement. Derivatives, other than those designated as effective hedging 
instruments, are included in this category.

As at 31 December 2020, the Group does not have any financial assets classified at fair value through profit or loss or other 
comprehensive income.

Regular way purchases and sales of financial assets are recognised on trade date, being the date on which the Group commits to 
purchase or sell the asset. Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows from the financial assets have 
expired or have been transferred and the Group has transferred substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership.

Impairment of trade and joint venture receivables
The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach to measuring expected credit losses which uses a lifetime expected loss 
allowance for all trade receivables. To measure the expected credit losses, trade receivables have been grouped based on 
shared credit risk characteristics and days past due.

The expected loss rates are based on the payment profiles of sales over the historical period and the corresponding historical 
credit losses experienced within this period. These rates are then applied to the gross carrying amount of the receivable 
to arrive at the loss allowance for the period. Based on management assessment the credit loss in trade receivables and joint 
venture receivable as at 31 December 2020 would be immaterial; therefore, in line with IFRS 9, no impairment was recognised 
(2019: $nil).

In order to minimise the risk of default, credit risk is managed on a Group basis (note 19).

(z) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank, demand deposits and other short term highly liquid investments that are 
readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value.

(aa) Effective interest method
The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset and of allocating interest income 
over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts (including all 
fees on points paid or received that form an integral part of the effective interest rate, transaction costs and other premiums or 
discounts) through the expected life of the financial asset, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.

Income is recognised on an effective interest basis for debt instruments other than those financial assets classified as at FVTPL. 

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Accounting policies continuedYear ended 31 December 2020(ab) Financial liabilities
The measurement of financial liabilities is determined by the initial classification.

i) Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss:
Those balances that meet the definition of being held for trading are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Such liabilities are 
carried on the balance sheet at fair value with gains or losses recognised in the income statement.

ii) Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost: 
All financial liabilities not meeting the criteria of being classified at fair value through profit or loss are classified as financial 
liabilities measured at amortised cost. The instruments are initially recognised at its fair value net of transaction costs that are 
directly attributable to the issue of financial liability. Subsequent to initial recognition, financial liabilities are measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Trade payables and borrowings fall under this category of financial instruments.

As at 31 December 2020 all financial liabilities are measured at amortised cost.

The Group derecognises a financial liability when it is extinguished, i.e. when the obligation specified in the contract is 
discharged or cancelled or expires. A substantial modification of the terms of an existing financial liability or a part of it is 
accounted for as an extinguishment of the original financial liability and the recognition of a new financial liability. 

Offsetting of financial instruments:
Financial assets and financial liabilities are offset and the net amount is reported in the consolidated statement of financial 
position if there is a currently enforceable legal right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a 
net basis, to realise the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.

(ac) Equity instruments
Equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into.

An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the Group after deducting all of its 
liabilities. Equity instruments issued by the Group are recorded at the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs.

(ad) Insurance proceeds
Insurance proceeds related to lost production under the Business Interruption insurance policy are recorded as other operating 
income in the income statement. Proceeds related to compensation for incremental operating costs under the Business Interruption 
and Hull and Machinery insurance policies are recorded within the operating costs line of cost of sales. Proceeds related to 
compensation for capital costs under insurance policies are recorded within profit and loss with corresponding cost for replacement 
asset as additions to property, plant and equipment, except in relation to Jubilee Turret Remediation Project under the Hull 
and Machinery insurance policy where no asset is disposed, insurance proceeds are netted off within additions to property, 
plant and equipment. Insurance proceeds are recognised at the point when the realisation of income is virtually certain.

(ae) Provisions
Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event, it is 
probable that an outflow of resources embodying economic benefits will be required to settle the obligation and a reliable 
estimate can be made of the amount of the obligation. 

Restructuring provisions
Restructuring provisions are recognised only when the Group has a constructive obligation, which is when:

(i) 

 there is a detailed formal plan that identifies the business or part of the business concerned, the location and number of 
employees affected, the detailed estimate of the associated costs, and the timeline; and 

(ii)  the employees affected have been notified of the plan’s main features.

Onerous contracts
If the Group has a contract that is onerous, the present obligation under the contract is recognised and measured as a provision. 
However, before a separate provision for an onerous contract is established, the Group recognises any impairment loss that has 
occurred on assets dedicated to that contract.

An onerous contract is a contract under which the unavoidable costs (i.e., the costs that the Group cannot avoid because it 
has the contract) of meeting the obligations under the contract exceed the economic benefits expected to be received under it. 
The unavoidable costs under a contract reflect the least net cost of exiting from the contract, which is the lower of the cost of 
fulfilling it and any compensation or penalties arising from failure to fulfil it. The cost of fulfilling a contract comprises the costs 
that relate directly to the contract (i.e., both incremental costs and an allocation of costs directly related to contract activities).

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105

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSAccounting policies continued
Year ended 31 December 2020

(af) Critical accounting judgements 
The Group assesses critical accounting judgements annually. The following are the critical judgements, apart from those 
involving estimations which are dealt with in policy (ag), that the Directors have made in the process of applying the Group’s 
accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the Financial Statements.

Carrying value of intangible exploration and evaluation assets (note 10):
The amounts for intangible exploration and evaluation assets represent active exploration projects. These amounts will be 
written off to the income statement as exploration costs unless commercial reserves are established or the determination 
process is not completed and there are no indications of impairment in accordance with the Group’s accounting policy. The 
process of determining whether there is an indicator for impairment or calculating the impairment requires critical judgement. 

The key areas in which management has applied judgement and estimation are as follows: the Group’s intention to proceed with 
a future work programme for a prospect or licence; the likelihood of licence renewal or extension; the assessment of whether 
sufficient data exist to indicate that, although a development in the specific area is likely to proceed, the carrying amount of the 
exploration and evaluation asset is unlikely to be recovered in full from successful development or by sale; and the success of a 
well result or geological or geophysical survey.

The most material area where this judgement was applied during 2020 was in the assessment of the value in use (VIU) of the 
Kenyan CGU, following the Group’s reduction in long term oil price assumption being identified as an impairment trigger. Due to 
the stage of this project being pre-final investment decision and only having 2C resources booked, the VIU assessment required 
judgement in a number of different aspects including oil prices differentials, project financing assumptions, uncontracted cost 
profiles and certain fiscal terms.

Details on impact of these key estimates and judgements using sensitivities applied to impairment models can be found in note 10.

Lease accounting (note 20):
On initial application of IFRS 16 Leases on 1 January 2019, the following key judgement was applied:

Discount rate
The Group applied an incremental borrowing rate on transition. In assessing the appropriate incremental borrowing rate applicable 
for each contract, management has applied the practical expedient which allows for the adoption of a portfolio approach, where 
a single discount rate for a portfolio of leases with similar characteristics can be applied. As the Group has two bonds and a 
convertible bond listed on Exchanges, and a Reserves Based Lending facility from a consortium of lenders, these are considered 
the best reference for the incremental borrowing rate for the Group. The weighted average cost of borrowing across these 
sources of funding is considered to be the Group’s ‘all in rate’, at the lease commencement date if the interest rate implicit in 
the lease is not readily determinable.

(ag) Key sources of estimation uncertainty
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the balance sheet date, that have 
a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, 
are discussed below.

Carrying value of property, plant and equipment (note 11):
Management performs impairment reviews on the Group’s property, plant and equipment assets at least annually with 
reference to indicators in IAS 36 Impairment of Assets. Where indicators of impairments or impairment reversals are present 
and an impairment or impairment reversal test is required, the calculation of the recoverable amount requires estimation of 
future cash flows within complex impairment models.

Key assumptions and estimates in the impairment models relate to: commodity prices assumptions, pre-tax discount rates, 
commercial reserves and the related cost profiles. Proven and probable reserves are estimates of the amount of oil and gas that 
can be economically extracted from the Group’s oil and gas assets. The Group estimates its reserves using standard recognised 
evaluation techniques. The estimate is reviewed at least twice annually by management and is regularly reviewed by 
independent consultants. Proven and probable reserves are determined using estimates of oil and gas in place, recovery factors 
and future commodity prices, the latter having an impact on the total amount of recoverable reserves and the proportion of the 
gross reserves which are attributable to host governments under the terms of the Production Sharing Contracts. Future 
development costs are estimated taking into account the level of development required to produce the reserves by reference to 
operators, where applicable, and internal engineers.

Net entitlement reserves estimates are subsequently calculated using the current oil price and cost recovery assumptions, in 
line with the relevant agreements. Changes in reserves as a result of factors such as production cost, recovery rates, grade of 
reserves or oil and gas prices could impact the depletion rates, carrying value of assets (refer to the Commercial Reserves and 
Contingent Resources Summary on page 154.

The estimation applied by management to the exploration risk premium adjustment to its impairment discount rates, estimated 
future commodity prices and forecast cash flows on the TEN asset would have the most material impact on the 2020 Financial 
Statements should management had concluded differently. 

Details on the impact of these key estimates and judgements using sensitivity applied to impairment models can be found in note 10.

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(ag) Key sources of estimation uncertainty continued
Decommissioning costs (note 21):
There is uncertainty around the cost of decommissioning as cost estimates can vary in response to many factors, including 
from changes to market rates for goods and services, to the relevant legal requirements, the emergence of new technology 
or experience at other assets. The expected timing, work scope, amount of expenditure and risk weighting may also change. 
Therefore significant estimates and assumptions are made in determining the provision for decommissioning. The estimated 
decommissioning costs are reviewed annually by an internal expert and the results of this review are then assessed alongside 
estimates from operators. Provision for environmental clean-up and remediation costs is based on current legal and 
contractual requirements, technology and price levels.

Provisions (note 21):
Due to the historical reduction in work programmes the Group identified a number of onerous service contracts in prior years and has 
a number of ongoing contractual disputes. Management has estimated the value of any future economic outflows associated with 
these contracts including, where relevant, assessment based on external legal and expert advice and prior experience of such claims.

If management had concluded differently regarding the estimated value of any future economic outflows associated with these 
contracts the provision and income statement expense recorded would increase/decrease, respectively. Details on the 
magnitude of the potential increase can be found within the contingent liability disclosure in note 25.

Uncertain tax positions
The Group is subject to various material claims which arise in the ordinary course of its business, including corporate income tax 
claims, indirect tax claims, cost recovery claims and claims from other regulatory bodies in various jurisdictions in which the Group 
operates. The Group is in formal dispute proceedings regarding a number of these claims, which are described in more detail below. 
The resolution of tax positions through negotiation with the relevant tax authorities, or through litigation, can take several years to 
complete. In assessing whether these claims should be provided for in the Financial Statements, management has considered them 
in the context of the laws and applicable contracts for the countries concerned. Management has applied judgement in assessing 
the likely outcome of the claims and has estimated the financial impact based on external tax and legal advice and prior experience 
of such claims. 

Due to the uncertainty of such tax items, it is possible that on conclusion of open tax matters at a future date the final outcome 
may differ significantly from management’s estimate. If the Group was unsuccessful in defending itself from all of these claims, 
the result could be additional unprovided liabilities of $1,070 million (2019: $990 million) which includes $61 million of interest 
and penalties.

Provisions of $129 million (2019: $129 million) are included in income tax payable ($30.4 million), provisions ($52.4 million) or 
accruals ($46.4 million). Where these matters relate to expenditure which is capitalised within E&E and PP&E, any difference 
between the amounts accrued and the amounts settled would be capitalised within the relevant asset balance, subject to 
applicable impairment indicators. Where these matters relate to producing activities or historical issues, any differences 
between the accrued and settled amounts would be taken to the Group income statement. 

The provisions and contingent liabilities relating to these disputes have increased following new claims being initiated 
and have decreased following the conclusion of tax authority challenges and matters lapsing under statutes of limitation. 

Ghana tax assessments
In August 2018, Tullow Ghana Limited (“TGL”) received an assessment from the Ghana Revenue Authority (“GRA”) for the 
financial years 2014 to 2016. After discussions, a final assessment was issued in December 2019 for $406 million requesting 
that $398 million be paid by 13 January 2020. The GRA is seeking to apply branch profits remittance tax under a law which the 
Group considers is not applicable to TGL, since it falls outside the tax regime set out in TGL’s petroleum agreement and double 
tax treaties. The GRA has additionally assessed TGL for unpaid withholding taxes and corporate income tax arising from the 
disallowance of loan interest. The Group considers that these assessments also breach TGL’s rights under its petroleum 
agreements, applicable Ghanaian law and double taxation treaties, and, in some cases, have arisen as the result of the errors in 
the GRA’s calculations. In January 2020, TGL issued a Notice of Dispute with the Ministry of Energy (“MoE”), disputing the issues 
and suspending TGL’s obligation to pay any taxes until the disputed issues have been resolved. In April 2020, the GRA issued a 
Demand Notice for $365 million ($337 million branch profits remittance tax and withholding tax, and $28 million corporate 
income tax) which has been put on hold by the MoE. Negotiations with the GRA remain ongoing.

Bangladesh litigation
The National Board of Revenue (“NBR”) is seeking to disallow $118 million of tax relief in respect of development costs incurred 
by Tullow Bangladesh Limited (“TBL”). In 2013, the High Court found in favour of Tullow such that the tax relief should be reinstated. 
However, in March 2017, the NBR won its appeal to the Supreme Court, but was not clear as to the position or liability of TBL. 
A review application against this judgement was filed in April 2018. The hearing took place in November 2019 and TBL was 
unsuccessful. The NBR subsequently issued a payment demand to TBL in February 2020 for Taka $3,094 million (approximately 
$37 million) requesting payment by 15 March 2020. However, under the Production Sharing Contract, the Government is required to 
indemnify TBL against all taxes levied by any public authority, and the share of production paid to Petrobangla (“PB”), Bangladesh’s 
national oil company, is deemed to include all taxes due which PB is then obliged to pay to the NBR. TBL sent the payment 
demand to PB and the Government requesting the payment or discharge of the payment demand under their respective PSC 
indemnities. TBL has secured an extension of the payment deadline to 15 March 2021 from the NBR to allow discussions with 
PB and the Government to take place. Such discussions have been delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
TBL continues to engage with PB and the Government. 

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107

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSAccounting policies continued
Year ended 31 December 2020

(ag) Key sources of estimation uncertainty continued
Kenya tax assessments
In March 2019, Tullow Kenya BV (“TKBV”) received an assessment from the Kenya Revenue Authority (“KRA”) for $11.7 million for 
VAT on the Block 12A farm-down. The Group considers that VAT was not applicable since TKBV was not VAT registered at the time 
of the disposal and the transaction was in relation to the sale of a capital asset or part of a business. The KRA is seeking to apply 
VAT on the basis that the transaction was a disposal of trading stock and therefore the exemption to register for VAT does not apply. 
This matter has now been heard by the Tax Appeals Tribunal with a decision expected in 2021, and may be appealed further to the 
High Court In Kenya. 

Other items
Other items totalling $786 million comprise exposures in respect of claims for corporation tax in respect of disallowed expenditure, 
indirect taxes or withholding taxes that are either currently under discussion with the tax authorities or which arise in respect of known 
issues for periods not yet under audit. 

Timing of cash flows
While it is not possible to estimate the timing of tax cash flows in relation to possible outcomes with certainty. Management 
anticipates that there will not be material cash taxes paid in excess of the amounts provided for uncertain tax positions in the 
next 12 months. 

108

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements
Year ended 31 December 2020

Note 1. Segmental reporting
During 2020, the Group reorganised its operational and organisational structure so that the management and resources 
of the business are better aligned with the delivery of the business objectives. As a result, the information reported to the 
Group’s Chief Executive Officer for the purposes of resource allocation and assessment of segment performance has changed 
to focus on four new Business Units – Ghana, Non-operated producing assets including Uganda and decommissioning assets. 
Kenya and Exploration. Therefore, the Group’s reportable segments under IFRS 8 are Ghana, Non-operated, Kenya and Exploration. 

The following tables present revenue, loss and certain asset and liability information regarding the Group’s reportable business 
segments for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019. The table for the year ended 31 December 2019 has 
been restated to reflect the new reportable segments of the business.

2020
Sales revenue by origin

Segment result1

Loss on disposal
Unallocated corporate expenses2

Operating loss
Loss on hedging instruments
Finance revenue
Finance costs

Loss before tax
Income tax credit

Loss after tax

Total assets

Total liabilities

Ghana 
$m

Non-Operated 
$m

Kenya 
$m

Exploration 
$m

Corporate 
$m

Total
$m

963.5

432.6

–

–

–

1,396.1

124.9

(410.2)

(430.0)

(104.3)

(15.2)

(834.8)

 (3.4)
 (179.5)

 (1,017.7)
 (0.8)
 59.4 
 (314.3)

 (1,273.4)
 51.9 

 (1,221.5)

 4,859.3 

 656.3 

 300.5 

 181.8 

 559.3 

 6,557.2 

 (2,696.7)

 (688.4)

 (34.1)

 (44.2)

 (3,303.8)

 (6,767.2)

Other segment information
Capital expenditure:
  Property, plant and equipment

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets

Depletion, depreciation and amortisation
Impairment of property, plant and equipment, net
Exploration costs written off

 94.6
 0.9 
 (390.1)
 (149.1)
 (0.8)

127.1 
68.5
 (60.7)
 (100.5)
 (452.0)

 0.6 
9.5
 (1.5)
 – 
 (430.0)

 0.2 
 91.8 
 – 
 (0.4)
 (103.9)

7.2
–
(14.8)
(0.6)
–

 229.7 
 170.7 
 (467.1)
 (250.6)
 (986.7)

1.  Segment result is a non-IFRS measure which includes gross profit, exploration costs written off and impairment of property, plant and equipment. 

See reconciliation below.

2.  Unallocated expenditure and net liabilities include amounts of a corporate nature and not specifically attributable to a geographic area. The liabilities comprise 

the Group’s external debt and other non-attributable corporate liabilities.

Reconciliation of segment result

Segment result

Add back:
Exploration costs written off
Impairment of Property, plant and equipment

Gross profit

2020
$m

2019
$m

 (834.8)

(1,276.0)

 986.7 
 250.6

402.5 

 1,253.4
 781.2

758.6

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

109

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Note 1. Segmental reporting continued
All sales are made to external customers. Included in revenue arising from Ghana and Non-Operated segments are revenues of 
approximately $246.6 million, $229.7 million, $131.4 million and $75.5 million relating to the Group’s customers who each 
contribute more than 10 per cent of total sales revenue (2019: $362.6 million, $247.0 million, $186.6 million and $181.6 million). 
As the sales of oil and gas are made on global markets and are highly liquid, the Group does not place reliance on the largest 
customers mentioned above.

2019 (restated)
Sales revenue by origin
Other operating income – lost production 
insurance proceeds

Segment result

Gain on disposal 
Unallocated corporate expenses

Operating loss
Loss on hedging instruments
Finance revenue
Finance costs

Loss before tax
Income tax expense

Loss after tax

Total assets

Total liabilities

Other segment information
Capital expenditure:
  Property, plant and equipment

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets

Depletion, depreciation and amortisation
Impairment of property, plant and equipment
Exploration costs written off

Ghana 
$m

Non-Operated 
$m

Kenya 
$m

Exploration 
$m

Corporate 
$m

Total
$m

1,262.3

420.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1,682.6

42.7

42.7

(231.3)

(317.6)

(535.8)

(172.3)

(19.0)

(1,260.0)

6.6
(115.7)

(1,385.1)
(1.5)
55.5
(322.3)

(1,653.4)
(40.7)

(1,694.1)

5,777.8

1,451.0

(3,289.8)

(747.2)

732.2

(75.9)

183.9

146.3

8,291.2

(72.4)

(3,122.3)

(7,307.6)

338.3
2.7
(612.7)
(712.8)
(2.6)

97.3
53.9
(88.7)
(24.6)
(541.5)

12.8
85.5
(1.4)
–
(535.8)

2.4
137.2
(0.7)
–
(173.5)

77.6
–
(21.2)
(43.8)
–

528.4
279.3
(724.6)
(781.2)
(1,253.4)

110

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
Note 1. Segmental reporting continued

Sales revenue and non-current assets by origin

Ghana

Total Ghana

Kenya

Total Kenya

Argentina
Comoros
Côte d’Ivoire
Guyana
Suriname
Peru
Norway
Jamaica
Namibia
Exploration other

Total Exploration

Uganda
Gabon
Côte d’Ivoire
Equatorial Guinea

Total Non-Operated

Corporate

Total

Sales 
revenue
2020
$m

963.5

963.5

Sales 
revenue
2019
$m

Non-current 
assets
2020
$m

Non-current
 assets
2019
$m

1,261.5

3,584.6

4,082.4

1,261.5

3,584.6

4,082.4

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
274.5
41.3
116.8

432.6

–

–

–

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–

–
312.9
51.0
57.2

421.1

251.8

251.8

21.2
–
2.7
61.4
35.6
0.3
–
–
–
–

679.2

679.2

2.8
10.7
10.5
54.4
30.2
18.3
11.3
0.3
3.6
2.4

121.2

144.5

–
68.8
81.5
–

1,000.2
154.3
73.7
83.5

150.3

1,312.2

–

45.6

61.5

1,396.1

1,682.6

4,153.5

 6,279.3 

Non-current assets exclude derivative financial instruments and deferred tax assets.

Unallocated non-current assets relate to UK corporate balances.

Note 2. Total revenue

Revenue from contacts with customers
Revenue from crude oil sales
Revenue from gas and condensate sales

Total revenue from contracts with customers
Gain/(loss) on realisation of cash flow hedges
Tariff income

Total revenue
Other operating income – lost production insurance proceeds

Total revenue and operating income

Finance revenue has been presented as part of net financing costs (refer to note 5).

2020
$m

2019
$m

1,177.4
–

1,177.4
218.7
–

1,396.1
–

 1,736.6 
0.2

 1,736.0 
(53.4)
 (0.8)

1,682.6
 42.7 

1,396.1

 1,725.3

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

111

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNote 3. Staff costs
The average annual number of employees and contractors (including Executive Directors) employed by the Group worldwide was: 

Administration
Technical

Total

Staff costs in respect of those employees were as follows:

Salaries
Social security costs
Pension costs

2020
Number

2019
Number

383
347

730

2020
$m

112.1
13.1
9.5

134.7

491
498

989

2019
$m

 168.6 
17.3 
 13.7

 199.6 

Average staff costs decreased compared to prior year due to the organisational restructuring which took place throughout 2020 
which resulted in reduced average headcount and staff cost. A proportion of the Group’s staff costs shown above is recharged 
to the Group’s Joint Venture Partners, a proportion is allocated to operating costs and a proportion is capitalised into the cost 
of fixed assets under the Group’s accounting policy for exploration, evaluation and production assets with the remainder 
classified as an administrative overhead cost in the income statement. The net staff costs recognised in the income 
statement was $25.3 million (2019: $67.3 million).

The Group operates defined contribution pension schemes for staff and Executive Directors. The contributions are payable to external 
funds which are administered by independent trustees. Contributions during the year amounted to $9.5 million (2019: $13.7 million). 
As at 31 December 2020, there was a liability of $nil (2019: $1.3 million) for contributions payable included in other payables.

Details of Directors’ remuneration, Directors’ transactions and Directors’ interests are set out in the part of the 
Directors’ Remuneration Report described as having been audited, which forms part of these Financial Statements.

Note 4. Other costs

Operating loss is stated after charging/(deducting):
Operating costs
Depletion and amortisation of oil and gas and leased assets1
Underlift, overlift and oil stock movements
Share-based payment charge included in cost of sales
Other cost of sales

Total cost of sales

Share-based payment charge included in administrative expenses
Depreciation of other fixed assets1
Other administrative costs

Total administrative expenses

Total restructuring costs and provision for onerous contracts2

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for: 
The audit of the Company’s annual accounts
The audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation

Total audit services

Non-audit services:
Audit-related assurance services – half-year review
Corporate finance services
Other services

Total non-audit services

Total

Notes

2020
$m

2019
$m

11

24

24
11

331.7
446.4
160.5
0.9
54.1

993.6

20.0
20.7
46.0

86.7

92.8

1.8
0.5

2.3

0.4
0.5
–

0.9

3.2

351.3
696.1
(137.3)
 2.6 
54.0 

 966.7

 22.2 
 28.5 
60.8 

 111.5 

3.8

0.4
1.8

2.2

0.4
–
0.1

0.5

2.7

1.  Depreciation expense on leased assets of $72.4 million as per note 11 includes a charge of $8.3 million on leased administrative assets, which is presented 

within administrative expenses in the income statement. The remaining balance of $64.1 million relates to other leased assets and is included within cost of sales.

2.   This includes restructuring costs of $4.2 million and redundancy costs of $63.5 million as well as provisions for onerous contacts.

112

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 4. Other costs continued
Fees payable to Ernst and Young LLP and its associates for non-audit services to the Company are not required to be disclosed 
because the consolidated Financial Statements are required to disclose such fees on a consolidated basis.

Other services include corporate finance services which were provided in relation to a Class 1 disposal. The per cent of 
non-audit services to audit services during the year was 39 per cent.

Details of the Company’s policy on the use of the auditor for non-audit services, the reasons why the auditor was used rather 
than another supplier and how the auditor’s independence and objectivity are safeguarded are set out in the Audit Committee 
Report on pages 49 to 53. No services were provided pursuant to contingent fee arrangements.

Note 5. Net financing costs

Interest on bank overdrafts and borrowings
Interest on obligations under leases

Total borrowing costs
Less amounts included in the cost of qualifying assets

Finance and arrangement fees 
Other interest expense
Unwinding of discount on decommissioning provisions

Total finance costs

Interest income on amounts due from Joint Venture Partners for leases
Other finance revenue

Total finance revenue

Net financing costs

Notes

10

21

2020
$m

205.8
91.0

296.8
–

296.8
0.8
3.6
13.1

314.3

(40.6)
(18.8)

(59.4)

2019
$m

 216.0 
 103.5 

 319.5 
(16.3)

 303.2 
 0.7 
 2.1 
 16.3 

322.3

(50.0)
(5.5)

(55.5)

254.9

266.8

Note 6. Insurance proceeds
Insurance proceeds of $24.8 million were recorded in the year ended 31 December 2020 (2019: $123.8 million). Proceeds related 
to lost production under the Business Interruption insurance policy of $nil (2019: $42.7 million) were recorded as other operating 
income – lost production insurance proceeds in the income statement. Proceeds related to compensation for incremental 
operating costs under the Business Interruption and Hull and Machinery insurance policies of $nil (2019: $4.2 million) were 
recorded within the operating costs line of cost of sales (see note 4). Proceeds related to compensation for capital costs under 
the Hull and Machinery insurance policy of $25.0 million (2019: $76.9 million) were recorded within additions to property, plant 
and equipment (see note 11). Coverage related to the Turret Remediation Project under the Business Interruption insurance 
policy ended in August 2019 and full and final settlement for the Hull and Machinery claim was reached in December 2019 
with the final proceeds received in first quarter of 2020.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

113

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 7. Taxation on loss on continuing activities
Analysis of expense for the year

Current tax
UK corporation tax
Foreign tax

Tax in respect of prior periods

Total corporate tax
UK petroleum revenue tax 

Total current tax

Deferred tax
UK corporation tax
Foreign tax 

Tax in respect of prior periods

Total deferred corporate tax
Deferred UK petroleum revenue tax

Total deferred tax

Total income tax (credit)/expense

Notes

2020
$m

2019
$m

(24.7)
81.1

(25.6)

30.8
(3.4)

27.4

19.8
(85.3)

(11.7)

(77.2)
(2.1)

(79.3)

(51.9)

(32.3)
192.5

5.2

165.4
–

165.4

91.7
(262.9)

44.2

(127.0)
2.3

(124.7)

40.7

22

Factors affecting tax credit for the year
The tax rate applied to profit on continuing activities in preparing the reconciliation below is the UK corporation tax rate applicable 
to the Group’s non-upstream UK profits. The difference between the total income tax (credit)/expense shown above and the 
amount calculated by applying the standard rate of UK corporation tax applicable to UK profits of 19 per cent (2019: 19 per cent) 
to the loss before tax is as follows:

Loss from continuing activities before tax 

Tax on loss from continuing activities at the standard UK corporation tax rate of 19% (2019: 19%)
Effects of:
Non-deductible exploration expenditurea
Net tax on fair value movements on derivatives
Other non-deductible expenses
Tax impact of change in discount rate on decommissioning provision
Deferred tax asset not recognisedb
Derecognition of deferred tax previously recognised
Utilisation of tax losses not previously recognised
Adjustment relating to prior yearsc
Other tax rates applicable outside the UK
PSC expense/(income) not subject to corporation tax 
Other income not subject to corporation tax

Total income tax (credit)/expense for the year

a. 

b. 

c. 

Includes recurring explorations costs written off where there is no deferred tax impact.

Includes corporate interest restriction not recognised.

Includes audit provisions.

2020
$m

2019
$m

(1,273.4)

(1,653.4)

(241.9)

(314.1)

184.4
–
46.5
(2.1)
31.0
0.7
(8.4)
(37.4)
(43.4)
18.9
(0.2)

(51.9)

208.7
(1.3)
18.8
–
73.7
12.4
(0.8)
49.4
11.3
(17.2)
(0.2)

40.7

114

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 7. Taxation on loss on continuing activities continued
Analysis of expense for the year continued
The Finance Act 2020 sets the corporation tax main rate at 19 per cent for the financial year beginning 1 April 2020. This maintains 
the rate at 19 per cent, rather than reducing it to 17 per cent from 1 April 2020. The charge to corporation tax and the main 
rate will also be set at 19 per cent for the financial year beginning 1 April 2021. These changes were substantively enacted 
on 17 March 2020 and hence the effect of the change on the deferred tax balances has been included, depending upon when 
deferred tax is expected to reverse. 

The Group’s profit before taxation will continue to arise in jurisdictions where the effective rate of taxation differs from that in the 
UK, such as Ghana (35 per cent), Gabon (50 per cent) and Equatorial Guinea (35 per cent). Furthermore, unsuccessful exploration 
expenditure is often incurred in jurisdictions where the Group has no taxable profits, such that no related tax benefit arises. 
Accordingly, the Group’s tax charge will continue to vary according to the jurisdictions in which pre-tax profits and exploration 
costs written off arise. 

The Group has tax losses of $4,895.4 million (2019: $5,120.3 million) that are available for offset against future taxable profits 
in the companies in which the losses arose. Deferred tax assets have not been recognised in respect of losses of $3,919.0 million 
(2019: $4,102.7.0 million) as they may not be used to offset taxable profits due to uncertainty of recovery.

The Group has recognised deferred tax assets of $335.7 million (2019: $348.8 million) in relation to tax losses only to the extent 
of anticipated future taxable income or gains in relevant jurisdictions. The tax losses can be carried forward indefinitely.

A deferred tax liability of $nil (2019: $8.8 million) is not recognised on temporary differences relating to unremitted earnings of 
overseas subsidiaries as the Group is able to control the timing of the reversal of these temporary differences and it is probable 
that they will not reverse in the foreseeable future. 

Tax relating to components of other comprehensive income
During 2020 $2.8 million (2019: $nil) of tax has been recognised through other comprehensive income.

Current tax assets
As at 31 December 2020, current tax assets were $36.4 million (2019: $42.9 million) of which $33.1 million relates to the UK 
(2019: $42.9 million).

Note 8. Loss per ordinary share
Basic loss per ordinary share amounts are calculated by dividing net loss for the year attributable to ordinary equity holders 
of the Parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year.

Diluted loss per ordinary share amounts are calculated by dividing net profit loss for the year attributable to ordinary equity 
holders of the Parent by the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding during the year plus the weighted average 
number of dilutive ordinary shares that would be issued if employee and other share options or the convertible bonds were 
converted into ordinary shares.

The adjustment in respect of convertible bonds and share options had an anti-dilutive impact on earnings and was thus not 
considered in determining diluted underlying EPS for the years ended 31 December 2020 and 2019.

Loss for the year
Net loss attributable to equity shareholders
Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares

Diluted net loss attributable to equity shareholders

Number of shares
Basic weighted average number of shares

Dilutive potential ordinary shares

Diluted weighted average number of shares

2020
$m

2019
$m

(1,221.5)
–

(1,221.5)

2020
Number

(1,694.1)
–

(1,694.1)

2019
Number

1,410,629,325 1,402,186,891

67,539,005

42,690,148

1,478,168,330 1,444,877,039

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

115

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
Note 9. Disposals
During 2020 the Group completed the disposal of its interests in Uganda for upfront cash consideration of $500.0 million, with 
$75.0 million due on FID and contingent future payments linked to oil prices. On completion $514.3 million was received in cash, 
representing the upfront consideration plus $14.3 million of completion adjustments. The $75.0 million payment due on FID has 
been recorded as a current receivable as it is expected to be received in 2021. After deducting transaction costs paid in 2020, net 
cash proceeds on disposal was $513.4 million.

The Uganda Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) signed in 2017 lapsed in 2019 as a result of the failure to agree all aspects of 
the tax treatment with the Government of Uganda which was a condition to completing the SPA. Following the expiry of the SPA, 
the Uganda assets of $840.2 million were reclassified from Assets Held for Sale to Intangible assets in the previous year. Refer 
to note 10.

Book value of assets disposed of in Uganda

Intangible exploration and evaluation assets
Trade receivables
Other current assets

Total assets disposed

Trade and other payables

Total assets and liabilities disposed

Note 10. Intangible exploration and evaluation assets

At 1 January 
Additions
Disposals
Amounts written off 
Net transfer (to)/from assets held for sale
Currency translation adjustments

At 31 December 

2020
$m

580.4
0.3
2.8

583.5

(0.9)

582.6

Notes

1

9

2020
$m

1,764.4
 170.7 
–
 (986.7)
 (580.4)
 0.2 

2019
$m

1,898.6
279.3
(0.4)
(1,253.4)
840.2
0.1

 368.2 

1,764.4

Included within 2020 additions is $nil (note 5) of capitalised interest (2019: $16.3 million). The Group only capitalises interest in 
respect of intangible exploration and evaluation assets where it is considered that development is ongoing. 

During 2020 $33.6 million was capitalised and written off in connection to working capital and indirect taxes associated with the 
Uganda disposal.

The below table provides a summary of the exploration costs written off on a pre and post-tax basis by country.

Country

Kenya
Uganda
Comoros
Guyana
Peru
Côte d’Ivoire
Other

Total write-off

CGU

Blocks 10BB and 13T
Exploration areas 1,1A, 2 and 3A
Blocks 35, 36 and 37
Kanuku
Licence Z38
Blocks 301, 302, 518, 519, 521, 522 and 524
Various

a.  Current year expenditure on assets previously written off.

b.  Licence relinquishments, expiry, planned exit or reduced activity.

c.  Pre-licence exploration expenditure is written off as incurred.
d.  Unsuccessful well costs written off.

Rationale for 
2020
write-off

2020
Pre-tax 
write-off
$m

2020
Post-tax 
write-off
$m

2020
Remaining 
recoverable 
amount 
$m

e
f
b
a
b,d
b
a,c

430.0
451.4
12.4
9.2
41.2
14.3
28.2

986.7

430.0
451.4
12.4
9.2
41.2
14.3
28.2

986.7

247.0
–
–
42.2
–
–
–

289.2

e.  Following VIU assessment as a result of reduction in long term oil price assumption, using a pre-tax discount rate of 18 per cent (2019: 14per cent)

f.  Written down to the value of the transaction consideration. (Refer to note 9 for further detail)

116

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 10. Intangible exploration and evaluation assets continued
The Group has received a 15- month licence extension from September 2020 to December 2021 which is contingent on certain 
conditions. As at 31 December 2020 the Group has complied with all of the conditions which effectively extends the licence 
extension period to 31 December 2021. One of the conditions requires the Group to submit a technically and commercially 
compliant Field Development Plan (FDP) with the Government of Kenya by 31 December 2021. If the FDP is not submitted by 
31 December 2021, the extension period will expire on 31 December 2021. The Group along with its joint venture partners are 
working towards the preparation of a technically and commercially compliant FDP in accordance with the PSCs and expects 
to submit the FDP by 31 December 2021 to further extend the licence. 

Oil prices stated in note 11 are benchmark prices to which an individual field price differential is applied. Exploration write-offs 
for the Kenya development area assessments are prepared on a value-in-use basis using discounted future cash flows based on 
2C resource profiles. A reduction or increase in the long term price assumptions of $5/bbl, based on the range of annualised 
average historical prices, are considered to be reasonably possible changes for the purposes of sensitivity analysis. Decreases 
to oil prices would increase the exploration write-off charge by $72.3 million, whilst increases to oil prices specified above would 
result in a credit to the exploration write-offs of $65.9 million. A 1 per cent increase in the pre-tax discount rate would increase 
the exploration write-off by $63.7 million. The Group believes a 1 per cent change in the pre-tax discount rate to be a reasonable 
possibility based on historical analysis of the Group’s and a peer group of companies’ discount rates.

Country

Mauritania
Namibia
Jamaica
Uganda
Guyana
Guyana
Guyana
Kenya
Kenya
New Ventures

Total write-off

CGU

Block C-3
PEL 37
Walton Morant
Exploration areas 1, 1A, 2 and 3A
Jethro well
Joe well
Carapa-1 well
Blocks 10BB and 13T
Blocks 12A, 12B and 10BA
Various

a.  Current year unsuccessful exploration results.

b.  Licence relinquishments, expiry or planned exit.

c.  New Ventures expenditure is written off as incurred.

d.  Following VIU assessment as a result of reduction in long term oil price assumption.

Rationale for 
2019
write-off

2019
Pre-tax 
write-off
$m

2019
Post-tax 
write-off
$m

2019
Remaining 
recoverable 
amount 
$m

b
b
b
d
a
a
a
d
b
c

28.4
26.7
35.8
535.2
30.7
12.5
18.1
419.0
118.0
29.0

28.4
26.7
35.8
535.2
30.7
12.5
18.1
419.0
118.0
29.0

1,253.4

1,253.4

–
–
–
960.0
–
–
–
667.0
–
–

–

Oil prices stated in note 11 are benchmark prices to which an individual field price differential is applied. Exploration write-offs 
for the Kenya development area assessments are prepared on a value-in-use basis using discounted future cash flows based on 
2C resource profiles. A reduction or increase in the long term price assumptions of $15/bbl, based on the range seen in external 
oil price market forecasts, is considered to be a reasonably possible change for the purposes of sensitivity analysis. Decreases 
to oil prices would increase the exploration write-off charge by $1,108.0 million, whilst increases to oil prices specified above 
would result in a credit to the exploration write-offs of $831.0 million. A 1 per cent increase in the pre-tax discount rate would 
increase the exploration write-off by $268.0 million. A 1 per cent decrease in the pre-tax discount rate would decrease the 
exploration write-off by $266.0 million. The Group believes a 1 per cent change in the pre-tax discount rate to be a reasonable 
possibility based on historical analysis of the Group’s and a peer group of companies’ discount rates.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

117

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Note 11. Property, plant and equipment

2020
Oil and gas
 assets
$m

2020
Other fixed 
assets
$m

2020
Right of use 
assets
$m

Notes

2020
Total 
$m

2019
Oil and gas 
assets
$m

2019
Other fixed 
assets
Restated 1
$m

2019
Right of use 
assets
$m

2019
Total
$m

Cost
At 1 January
Adjustment on adoption 
of IFRS 16 Leases
Additions 
Disposals
Transfer to assets held 
for sale
Currency translation 
adjustments

 11,279.6 

 190.6 

 1,038.5 

 12,508.7 

11,794.0

271.0

–

12,065.0

1,6

–
203.6
(11.0)

–
9.6
(125.6)

 –
16.5
(17.6)

 –
229.7
(154.2)

(907.7)
 357.1 
 – 

–
 21.0 
(108.4)

907.7
 150.3 
(20.6)

–
 528.4 
(129.0)

16

(1,050.9)

–

(19.5)

(1,070.4)

 – 

 – 

 – 

 – 

38.9

(5.0)

0.7

34.6

 36.2 

 7.0 

 1.1 

 44.3 

At 31 December

10,460.2

69.6

1,018.6

11,548.4

 11,279.6 

 190.6 

 1,038.5 

 12,508.7 

Depreciation, 
depletion, 
amortisation and 
impairment
At 1 January
Adjustment on adoption 
of IFRS 16 Leases
Charge for the year
Impairment loss
Capitalised 
depreciation
Disposal
Transfer to assets held 
for sale
Currency translation 
adjustments 

At 31 December

Net book value 
at 31 December

(8,194.6)

(157.7)

(264.7)

(8,617.0)

(6,951.1)

(197.5)

–

(7,148.6)

4

–
(382.3)
(250.0)

–
10.9

16

938.2

(38.1)

–
(12.4)
(0.6)

–
122.8

–

5.6

–
(72.4)
–

(23.8)
7.1

–
(467.1)
(250.6)

(23.8)
140.8

1.6

939.8

 151.5 
(620.1)
(737.4)

 – 
 –

 – 

 –
(18.6)
(43.8)

 –
 108.4

(151.5)
(85.9)
 – 

(29.0)
 1.8 

 – 
(724.6)
(781.2)

(29.0)
 110.2 

 – 

 – 

 – 

(0.1)

(32.6)

(37.5)

(6.2)

(0.1)

(43.8)

(7,915.9)

(42.3)

(352.3)

(8,310.5)

(8,194.6)

(157.7)

(264.7)

(8,617.0)

2,544.3

27.3

666.3

3,237.9

 3,085.0 

 32.9 

773.8

 3,891.7 

1. 

 Other fixed assets in 2019 have been restated to include a derecognition of an asset that was fully impaired during the year ended 31 December 2019. 
The amount of disposals included in cost and accumulated depreciation of other fixed assets has changed from $0.3 million to $108.4 million.

The currency translation adjustments arose due to the movement against the Group’s presentational currency, USD, of the 
Group’s UK assets, which have a functional currency of GBP. 

Limande and Turnix CGU (Gabon)
Ezanga (Gabon)
Oba and Middle Oba CGU (Gabon)
Ruche (Gabon)
Mauritania
Espoir (Côte d’Ivoire)
TEN (Ghana)
UK ‘CGU

Other

Impairment

Trigger for 
2020
impairment/
(reversal)

2020
Impairment/
(reversal)
$m

Pre tax 
discount rate
 assumption

a
a
a
a,b
c
a,d
a,d
c,e

28.0
20.5
3.8
1.2
30.6
(2.1)
149.2
13.2

6.2

250.6

13%
15%
15%
13%
n/a
10%
10%
n/a

n/a

2020
Remaining 
recoverable 
amount 
$m

7.4
1.8
8.7
32.4
 –
81.5
1,510.6
 –

 –

a.  Decrease to short, medium and long term oil price assumptions.

b.  Recognition of FPSO lease.

c.  Change to decommissioning estimate.

d.  Revision of value based on revisions to reserves.

e.  The fields in the UK are grouped into one CGU as all fields within those countries share critical gas infrastructure.

118

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 11. Property, plant and equipment continued
In 1H20 impairments identified in TEN and Espoir of $305.8 million and $12.8 million respectively, were as a result of a reduction in 
short, mid and long term prices. In 2H20 an impairment reversal was recorded in respect of TEN and Espoir resulting in a full year 
impairment/reversal of $164.4 million and $(2.1) million respectively. This was as a result of increased booked 2P reserves and in 
the case of TEN lower future capex assumptions associated with well costs.

Oil prices stated below are benchmark prices to which an individual field price differential is applied. All impairment assessments 
are prepared on a value-in-use basis using discounted future cash flows based on 2P reserves profiles. A reduction or increase in 
the two-year forward curve of $5/bbl, based on the approximate volatility of the oil price over the previous two years, and a reduction 
or increase in the medium and long term price assumptions of $5/bbl, based on the range seen in external oil price market forecasts, 
are considered to be reasonably possible changes for the purposes of sensitivity analysis. Decreases to oil prices specified above 
would increase the impairment charge by $202.2 million for Ghana and $29.3 million for Non-Operated, whilst increases to oil prices 
specified above would result in a credit to the impairment charge of $203.9 million for Ghana and $48.5 million for Non-Operated. 
A 1 per cent increase in the pre-tax discount rate would increase the impairment by $59.0 million for Ghana and reduce the impairment 
charge by $7.5 million for Non-Operated. The Group believes a 1 per cent change in the pre-tax discount rate to be a reasonable 
possibility based on historical analysis of the Group’s and a peer group of companies’ impairment discount rates. The Directors 
considered that the relevant change in this assumption would have a consequential effect on other key assumptions including 
cessation of production and cash flows.

Limande and Turnix CGU (Gabon)
Echura, Niungo and Igongo CGU (Gabon)
Oba and Middle Oba CGU (Gabon)
Ceiba and Okume (Gabon)
Mauritania
Espoir (Côte d’Ivoire)
TEN (Ghana)
UK ‘CGU’d

Other

Impairment

a.  Decrease to long term oil price assumptions.

b.  Change to decommissioning estimate.

c.  Revision of value based on revisions to reserves.

Trigger for 
2019
impairment/
(reversal)

2019
Impairment/
(reversal)
$m

Pre tax 
discount rate
 assumption

a,c
a,c
a,c
a,c
b
a,c
a,c
b

e

(4.1)
(2.4)
3.8
(6.5)
(1.4)
12.5
712.8
22.7

43.8

781.2

13%
15%
15%
10%
n/a
10%
 10%
n/a

n/a

2019
Remaining 
recoverable 
amount 
$m

28.1
11.4
13.0
78.1
–
73.6
1,801.6
–

–

d.  The fields in the UK are grouped into one CGU as all fields within those countries share critical gas infrastructure.

e.  Re-assessment of useful life.

During 2020 and 2019 the Group applied the following nominal oil price assumptions for impairment assessments:

2020

2019

Year 1

$45/bbl

$64/bbl

Year 2

$50/bbl

$60/bbl

Year 3

$55/bbl

$60/bbl

Year 4

Year 5

Year 6 onwards

$60/bbl

$63/bbl

$60/bbl

$60/bbl inflated at 2% 

$65/bbl

$65/bbl inflated at 2% 

Oil prices stated below are benchmark prices to which an individual field price differential is applied. All impairment assessments 
are prepared on a value-in-use basis using discounted future cash flows based on 2P reserves profiles. A reduction or increase 
in the two-year forward curve of $5/bbl, based on the approximate range of annualised average oil price over recent history, and 
a reduction or increase in the medium and long term price assumptions of $5/bbl, based on the range of annualised average 
historical prices, are considered to be reasonably possible changes for the purposes of sensitivity analysis. Decreases to oil 
prices specified above would increase the impairment charge by $202.2 million for Ghana and $29.3 million for Non-Operated, 
whilst increases to oil prices specified above would result in a credit to the impairment charge of $203.9 million for Ghana and 
$48.5 million for Non-Operated. A 1 per cent increase in the pre-tax discount rate would increase the impairment by $59.0 million 
for Ghana and reduce the net impairment charge by $7.5 million for Non-Operated. The Group believes a 1 per cent change in 
the pre-tax discount rate to be a reasonable possibility based on historical analysis of the Group’s and a peer group of companies’ 
impairment discount rates. The Directors considered that the relevant change in this assumption would have a consequential 
effect on other key assumptions including cessation of production and cash flows.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

119

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
Note 12. Other assets

Non-current
Amounts due from Joint Venture Partners 
Uganda VAT recoverable
Other non-current assets 

Current
Amounts due from Joint Venture Partners 
Underlifts
Prepayments
Other current assets

 Notes

20

20

2020
$m

2019
$m

547.4
–
–

547.4

521.9
19.5
60.7
115.0

717.1

 576.6 
 33.5 
 13.1 

 623.2 

711.8 
 97.8 
69.5 
49.6 

 928.7 

1,264.5

1,551.9

Other current assets mainly include the deferred consideration relating to the Uganda disposal ($75.0 million) (note 9) as well 
as the deferred consideration relating to the Netherlands disposal in 2017 ($10.3 million) and VAT recoverable ($15.0 million).

Uganda VAT receivable and other non-current assets were written off in 2020.

Note 13. Inventories

Warehouse stock and materials
Oil stock

2020
$m

59.1
37.0

 96.1

2019
$m

 64.9 
 126.6 

 191.5 

The decrease in oil stock is associated with the timing of liftings of the Group's share of crude oil around period end.

Note 14. Trade receivables
Trade receivables comprise amounts due for the sale of oil and gas. They are generally due for settlement within 30–60 days and 
are therefore all classified as current. The Group holds the trade receivables with the objective of collecting the contractual cash 
flows and therefore measures them subsequently at amortised cost using the effective interest method. 

Note 15. Cash and cash equivalents

Cash at bank
Short term deposits and other cash equivalents1

Notes

19

2020
$m

224.2
581.2

805.4

2019
$m

 288.8 
 – 

 288.8 

1.  Short term deposits and other cash equivalents mainly relate to receipt of cash for the disposal of Uganda of $514.3 million.

Cash and cash equivalents includes an amount of $54.0 million (2019: $183.0 million) which the Group holds as operator in 
Joint Venture bank accounts. Included within cash at bank is $77.1 million (2019: $nil) held in Joint Venture bank accounts as 
the Group's share of security for the letters of credit issued in relation to decommissioning activities.

120

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 16. Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale
Equatorial Guinea and Dussafu asset in Gabon
On 9 February 2021, the Group announced that it signed two separate sale and purchase agreements with Panoro Energy ASA 
of its entire interest in Equatorial Guinea and its entire interest in the Dussafu Marin Permit Exploration and Production Sharing 
contract in Gabon, in each case with an effective date of 1 July 2020. 

Cash consideration of $89.0 million is payable at completion of the Equatorial Guinea transaction and $46.3 million payable at 
completion of the Dussafu transaction.

The major classes of assets and liabilities comprising the assets classified as held for sale as at 31 December 2020 were as follows: 

Assets
Property, plant and equipment
Inventories
Other current assets

Assets classified as held for sale 

Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Current tax liabilities
Deferred tax liabilities
Provisions

Liabilities directly associated with assets classified as held for sale

Net (liabilities)/assets directly associated with disposal group

Equatorial
Guinea
2020
$m

Dussafu 
2020
$m

76.0 
5.6
11.3

92.9

(3.5)
(10.0)
(16.7)
(124.3)

(154.5)

(61.6)

54.6
1.4
6.8

62.7

(27.9)
– 
– 
(4.9)

(32.8)

29.9

Total 
2020
$m

130.6
7.0
18.0

155.6

(31.4)
(10.0)
(16.7)
(129.2)

(187.3)

(31.7)

Equatorial Guinea and the Dussafu asset in Gabon are included within the Non- Operated segment of the Group.

Note 17. Trade and other payables
Current liabilities

Trade payables
Other payables1
Overlifts
Accruals2
VAT and other similar taxes
Current portion of lease liabilities

1.  Other payables include accrued interest of $40.9 million (2019: $43.2 million).

2.  Accruals mainly relate to capital expenditure, interest expense on bonds and loans and staff-related expenses.

Non-current liabilities

Other non-current liabilities1
Non-current portion of lease liabilities

Notes

20

Notes

20

2020
$m

38.3
49.5
3.8
409.4
8.9
240.8

750.7

2019
$m

 95.4 
 95.7 
 – 
 636.1 
 16.2 
 284.2 

 1,127.6

2020
$m

89.0
975.7

2019
$m

 72.0 
 1,140.9 

1,064.7

 1,212.9 

1.  Other non-current liabilities include balances related to joint venture partners.

Trade and other payables are non-interest bearing except for leases (note 20).

Payables related to operated Joint Ventures (primarily in Ghana and Kenya) are recorded gross with the amount representing 
the partners’ share recognised in amounts due from Joint Venture Partners (note 12). The change in trade payables and in other 
payables predominantly represents timing differences and levels of work activity. The reduction in accruals is associated with 
reduced operational activity in Ghana and the disposal of the Group’s interests in Uganda. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

121

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 18. Borrowings

Current
Borrowings – within one year 
  6.625% Convertible Bonds due 2021 ($300 million)
  6.25% Senior Notes due 2022 ($650 million)
 Reserves Based Lending credit facility
  7.00% Senior Notes due 2025 ($800 million)

Non-current
Borrowings – after one year but within five years
 6.625% Convertible Bonds due 2021 ($300 million)
  6.25% Senior Notes due 2022 ($650 million)
  Reserves Based Lending credit facility
Borrowings – more than five years
  7.00% Senior Notes due 2025 ($800 million)

Carrying value of total borrowings

2020
$m

2019
$m

290.9
646.7
1,441.7
791.2

3,170.5

– 
– 
–
– 

 –

2020
$m

2019
$m

–
–
–

–

–

278.2
645.5
1,357.4

278.2

790.6

3,170.5

3,071.7

The Group has provided security in respect of certain borrowings in the form of share pledges, as well as fixed and floating 
charges over certain assets of the Group. 

As at 31 December 2020, the Group has assessed it does not have an unconditional right to defer payment of the facility, Senior 
notes due 2022 or senior notes due 2025 based on a forecast breach in covenants; as such, these borrowings have been 
classified as current. Refer to the going concern disclosure for further details.

During the year, the Group continued to have access to a Reserves Based Lending (RBL) facility. In October 2020, the Group 
completed the redetermination of its RBL credit facility with $1,808 million of debt capacity approved by the lending syndicate. 
The RBL facility incurs interest on outstanding debt at US dollar LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The outstanding debt is 
repayable in line with the amortisation of aggregate commitments over the period to the final maturity date of 21 November 2024, 
with an initial three-year grace period, or such time as is determined by reference to the remaining reserves of the assets, 
whichever is earlier.

At 31 December 2020, available headroom under the RBL amounted to $378 million (2019: $1,055 million). 

Capital management 
The Group defines capital as the total equity and net debt of the Group. Capital is managed in order to provide returns for 
shareholders and benefits to stakeholders and to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. Tullow is not 
subject to any externally imposed capital requirements. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Group may put in place 
new debt facilities, issue new shares for cash, repay debt, engage in active portfolio management, adjust the dividend payment 
to shareholders, or undertake other such restructuring activities as appropriate. No significant changes were made to the 
capital management objectives, policies or processes during the year ended 31 December 2020. The Group monitors capital 
on the basis of the gearing, being net debt divided by adjusted EBITDAX, and maintains a policy target of between 1x and 2x. 
A summary of the gearing calculation and a reconciliation of the metric to IFRS measures can be found in the Alternative 
performance measures on pages 151 to 152 and viability summary on page 37.

122

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
Note 18. Borrowings continued
Loan covenant
Under the terms of the RBL facility, the Group is required to comply with the following principal financial covenants:

 - RBL gearing covenant  

The net debt of the Group, as defined in the RBL facility agreement, must be lower than 3.5 times consolidated EBITDAX for 
each 12-month period ending 30 June and 31 December each year. In order to address the forecast breach of the RBL gearing 
covenant, the Group secured an amendment of the covenant such that a relaxation to 4.5 times net debt to consolidated 
EBITDAX was agreed ahead of both 30 June 2020 and 31 December 2020 covenant tests. The Group has complied with the 
amended RBL gearing covenants throughout the reporting period. 

 - On 26 February 2021 the Group submitted a Liquidity Forecast Test to the lenders in respect of the February 2021 RBL 

redetermination. The Directors concluded that the information submitted to the lenders under the RBL facility fulfilled the 
requirements of the Liquidity Forecast Test. At the date of approving the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts, an approval in 
respect of this test is yet to be received, therefore a risk remains that the Group could fail this test. Based on current 
projections there is also a risk that the Group could fail the Liquidity Forecast Test in respect of the RBL facility 
redetermination in September 2021.

As at 31 December 2020, the Group complied with the amended RBL gearing covenant. However, current projections forecast 
a potential breach of the RBL gearing covenant for the 12-month periods ending 30 June 2021 and 31 December 2021. 
Therefore, RBL borrowings amounting to $1,442 million of non-current borrowings was classified as current liabilities. Given 
that Group’s bond indentures include cross default provisions, borrowings amounting to $647 million (2022 Senior Notes) and 
$791 million (2025 Senior Notes) were also classified as current liabilities.

 - RBL facility Liquidity Forecast Test 

The Group is required to demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of the relevant majority of its lenders under the RBL facility 
that it has, or will have, sufficient funds available to meet the Group’s financial commitments for a period of 18 months starting 
from the first month immediately following the relevant RBL facility redetermination. 

The Group has passed the Liquidity Forecast Test in respect of the RBL facility redeterminations in March and September 2020. 

 - RBL facility minimum hedging requirement 

The RBL facility agreement requires that the Group enters into hedging agreements for the purposes of ensuring that, as at 
each re-determination date, at least 30 per cent but no more than 70 per cent of the aggregate volume of oil that is projected 
in the 36 month period, is hedged, commencing on that re-determination date to be derived from the Group’s borrowing base 
assets. The scheduled re-determination dates occur on the 31 March and 30 September each year.

The Group complied with its minimum hedging requirement as at 31 March 2020. Prior to the 30 September 2020 re-determination, 
the Group obtained a waiver of the minimum hedging requirement such that the requirement shall be at least 25 per cent but 
no more than 70 per cent of the aggregate volume that is projected in the 36-month period commencing on 30 September 2020. 
The Group has also complied with this amended covenant. 

The Group is compliant with the minimum hedging requirement as at the February 2021 testing date and expects to be 
compliant at the next testing date at the end of September 2021. 

 - Senior Notes and Fixed Charge Cover Ratio (“FCCR”) Covenant 

The FCCR is the ratio of the Consolidated cash flow to the fixed charges for the previous twelve months. The ‘Consolidated 
cash flow’ essentially represents an Adjusted EBITDAX calculation. The Fixed Charges represent the aggregate financial 
charges related to the Company’s indebtedness i.e. interest on all the Company’s borrowings, interests under capital leases 
less any finance revenues. The FCCR is an incurrence covenant and therefore only tested when the Group is expected to incur 
any new financial indebtedness or other triggers as defined in the terms of the Senior Notes. The Group is, however, required 
to deliver an annual compliance certificate to the Bond Trustee 90 days after year end confirming that it has been in compliance 
with the terms of the Senior Notes for that year. 

As at 31 December 2020, the Group has complied with the FCCR covenant.

There are no principal covenants in respect of the Convertible Bonds.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

123

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNote 19. Financial instruments 
Financial risk management objectives
The Group is exposed to a variety of risks including commodity price risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, foreign currency risk and 
liquidity risk. The Group reviews its exposure on a regular basis and will undertake hedging if deemed appropriate. The Group 
holds a portfolio of commodity derivative contracts, with various counterparties. A portfolio of interest rate derivatives was held 
and matured during 2018. The mix between the fixed and floating rate borrowings was considered appropriate during the year 
and therefore the Group did not enter into new interest rate derivatives. The use of derivative financial instruments is governed 
by the Group’s policies approved by the Board of Directors. Compliance with policies and exposure limits are monitored and 
reviewed internally on a regular basis. The Group does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivatives, for 
speculative purposes.

Financial assets
Financial assets at amortised cost
Trade receivables
Amounts due from Joint Venture Partners
Cash and cash equivalents

Derivative financial instruments
Used for hedging

Financial liabilities
Liabilities at amortised cost
Trade payables
Borrowings

Lease liabilities

Derivative financial instruments
Used for hedging

2020
$m

2019
$m

79.0
1,069.3
805.4

38.7
1,288.4
288.8

19.8

3.8

1,973.5

1,619.7

127.3
3,170.5

167.4
3,071.7

1,216.5

1,425.1

(17.8)

(16.0)

4,496.5

4,648.2

Fair values of financial assets and liabilities
With the exception of the Senior Notes and the convertible bonds, the Group considers the carrying value of all its financial 
assets and liabilities to be materially the same as their fair value. The fair value of the Senior Notes, as determined using 
market values at 31 December 2020, was $1,047.7 million (2019: $1,269.6 million) compared to the carrying value of 
$1,437.9 million (2019: $1,436.0 million). These are categorised as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

The fair value of the convertible bonds, as determined using market values as at 31 December 2020, was $263.0 million 
(2019: $281.9 million) compared to the carrying value of $290.9 million (2019: $278.3 million). These are categorised as level 1 
in the fair value hierarchy.

The Group has no material financial assets that are past due. No material financial assets are impaired at the balance sheet 
date. All financial assets and liabilities with the exception of derivatives are measured at amortised cost.

Fair values of derivative instruments
All derivatives are recognised at fair value on the balance sheet with valuation changes recognised immediately in the income 
statement, unless the derivatives have been designated as a cash flow hedge. Fair value is the amount for which the asset or 
liability could be exchanged in an arm’s-length transaction at the relevant date. Where available, fair values are determined 
using quoted prices in active markets. To the extent that market prices are not available, fair values are estimated by reference 
to market-based transactions, or using standard valuation techniques for the applicable instruments and commodities involved.

124

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 19. Financial instruments continued
Fair values of derivative instruments continued
The Group’s derivative carrying and fair values were as follows:

Assets/liabilities

Cash flow hedges
Oil derivatives

Deferred premium
Oil derivatives

Total assets

Total liabilities

2020
Less than
1 year
$m

37.3

37.3

(38.0)

(38.0)

17.2

(17.8)

2020
1–3
 years
 $m

4.8

4.8

(2.2)

(2.2)

2.6

2020
Total
$m

42.1

42.1

(40.2)

(40.2)

19.8

2019
Less than
1 year
$m

35.3

35.3

(49.4)

(49.4)

0.7

2019
1–3
 years
 $m

26.0

26.0

(24.1)

(24.1)

3.1

2019
Total
$m

61.3

61.3

(73.5)

(73.5)

3.8

– 

(17.8)

(14.8)

(1.2)

(16.0)

Derivatives’ maturity and the timing of their recycling into income or expense coincide.

The following provides an analysis of the Group’s financial instruments measured at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based 
on the degree to which the fair value is observable:

Level 1: fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 which are 
observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3: fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques which include inputs for the asset or liability that 
are not based on observable market data.

All the Group’s derivatives are Level 2 (2019: Level 2). There were no transfers between fair value levels during the year.

For financial instruments which are recognised on a recurring basis, the Group determines whether transfers have occurred 
between levels by re-assessing categorisation (based on the lowest-level input which is significant to the fair value measurement 
as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.

Offsetting of financial instruments
Financial assets and liabilities are offset and the net amount reported in the Group balance sheet when there is a legally 
enforceable right to offset the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or realise the asset and 
settle the liability simultaneously. No material enforceable master netting agreements were identified.

The Group has entered into ISDA Master Agreements with derivative counterparties. The following table shows the amounts 
recognised for financial assets and liabilities which are subject to offsetting arrangements on a gross basis, and the amounts 
offset in the Group balance sheet. 

31 December 2020

Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities

31 December 2019

Derivative assets
Derivative liabilities

Gross 
amounts 
offset
 in Group 
balance 
sheet 
$m

Net amounts
 presented
 in Group 
balance
 sheet
$m

Gross 
amounts
 recognised 
$m

23.7
(21.7)

(3.9)
3.9

19.8
(17.8)

Gross 
amounts 
offset
 in Group 
balance 
sheet 
$m

(6.5)
6.5

Net amounts
 presented
 in Group 
balance
 sheet
$m

3.7
(15.9)

Gross 
amounts
 recognised 
$m

10.2
(22.4)

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

125

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 19. Financial instruments continued
Commodity price risk
The Group uses a number of derivatives to mitigate the commodity price risk associated with its underlying oil revenue. Such 
commodity derivatives tend to be priced using benchmarks, such as Dated Brent, which correlate as far as possible to the 
underlying oil revenue. There is an economic relationship between the hedged items and the hedging instruments due to a 
common underlying, i.e. Dated Brent, between them. Forecast oil sales, which are based on Dated Brent, are hedged with 
options which have Dated Brent as reference price. An increase in Dated Brent will cause the value of the hedged item and 
hedging instrument to move in opposite directions. The Group has established a hedge ratio of 1:1 for the hedging relationships 
as the underlying risk of the commodity derivatives is identical to the hedged risk components. To test the hedge effectiveness, 
the Group uses the hypothetical derivative method and compares the changes in the fair value of the hedging instruments 
against the changes in fair value of the hedged items attributable to the hedged risks. The Group hedges its estimated oil 
revenues on a portfolio basis, aggregating its oil revenues from substantially all of its African oil interests.

As at 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019, all of the Group’s oil derivatives have been designated as cash flow hedges. 
The Group’s oil hedges have been assessed to be highly effective. 

Financial risk management is adopted centrally for the Group. The Group adopted a risk component hedging strategy from 2019. 
This results from designating the variability in all the cash flows attributable to the change in the benchmark price per the oil 
sales contracts where the critical terms of the hedged item and hedging instrument match. There is, however, the potential for 
a degree of ineffectiveness inherent in the Group’s pre-2019 hedge designation for open hedge relationship. This is due to the 
differential on the Group’s underlying African crudes relative to Dated Brent and the timing of oil liftings relative to the hedges. 
The ineffectiveness recognised in the Group income statement was a loss of $0.8 million (2019: $1.5 million loss). Ineffectiveness 
is expected to reduce as the pre-2019 hedges phases out.

Floor protection is placed around current market levels and layered in over the course of the year, using a combination of 
derivatives which protects downside prices and provides some exposure to upside.

The following table demonstrates the timing, volumes and average floor price protected for the Group’s commodity hedges:

Hedging position as at 31 December 2020

Oil volume (bopd)
Average floor price protected ($/bbl)

Hedging position as at 31 December 2019

Oil volume (bopd)
Average floor price protected ($/bbl)

The following table demonstrates the hedge position as at 31 December 2020:

2021 hedge position at 31 December 2020

Hedge structure
Collars
Three-way collars (call spread)

Total/weighted average

2022 hedge position at 31 December 2020

Hedge structure
Collars

Total/weighted average

2021

40,000
48.17

2022

2,000
50.63

2020

2021

44,997
57.28

22,000
52.80

Bopd

 Bought put
 (floor)

Sold call

Bought 
call

39,000
1,000

$48.12
$50.00

$66.47
$72.80

– 
$82.80

40,000

$48.17

$66.63

$82.80

Bopd

 Bought put
 (floor)

Sold call

Bought 
call

2,000

2,000

$50.63

$70.26

$50.63

$70.26

– 

– 

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Group’s derivative financial instruments to reasonably possible 
movements in Dated Brent oil prices:

Brent oil price
Brent oil price

Effect on equity

Market
 movement 
as at
31 Dec 2020

25%
(25%)

2020
$m

(59.0)
155.9

2019
$m

(43.9)
237.2

The following assumptions have been used in calculating the sensitivity in movement of the oil price: the pricing adjustments 
relate only to the point forward mark-to-market (MTM) valuations, the price sensitivities assume there is no ineffectiveness 
related to the oil hedges and the sensitivities have been run only on the intrinsic element of the hedge as management 
considers this to be the material component of oil hedge valuations.

126

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 19. Financial instruments continued
Hedge reserve summary
The hedge reserve represents the portion of deferred gains and losses on hedging instruments deemed to be effective cash flow 
hedges. The movement in the reserve for the period is recognised in other comprehensive income.

The following table summarises the cash flow hedge reserve by intrinsic and time value, net of tax effects:

Cash flow hedge reserve

Oil derivatives – intrinsic

Oil derivatives – time value

2020
$m

4.8

(5.4)

2019
$m

4.6

(17.5)

The deferred gains and losses in the hedge reserve are subsequently transferred to the income statement at maturity of derivative 
contracts. The tables below show the impact on the hedge reserve and on sales revenue during the year:

Deferred amounts in the hedge reserve – intrinsic

At 1 January

Reclassification adjustments for items included in the income statement on realisation:
Oil derivatives – transferred to sales revenue
Interest rate derivatives – transferred to finance costs

Subtotal
Revaluation (losses)/gains arising in the year
Movement in current and deferred tax

At 31 December 

Deferred amounts in the hedge reserve – time value

At 1 January

Reclassification adjustments for items included in the income statement on realisation:
Oil derivatives – transferred to sales revenue

Revaluation losses arising in the year

Movement in current and deferred tax

At 31 December

Reconciliation to sales revenue

Oil derivatives – transferred to sales revenue
Deferred premium paid

Net losses/(gain) from commodity derivatives in sales revenue (note 2)

2020
$m

4.6

(268.1)
– 

(268.1)
271.0
(2.7)

0.2

4.8

2020
$m

(17.5)

49.5

(37.3)

(0.1)

(5.4)

2020
$m

268.1
(49.4)

218.7

2019
$m

130.8

(7.6)
–

(7.6)
(118.6)
–

(126.2)

4.6

2019
$m

(4.9)

61.0

(73.6)

–

(17.5)

2019
$m

7.6
(61.0)

(53.4)

Cash flow and interest rate risk 
Subject to parameters set by management, the Group seeks to minimise interest costs by using a mixture of fixed and floating 
debt. Floating rate debt comprises bank borrowings at interest rates fixed in advance from overnight to three months at rates 
determined by reference to US dollar LIBOR. 

Interest rate benchmark reform
The replacement of benchmark interest rates such as LIBOR and other IBORs is a priority for global regulators. The Group has 
closely monitored the market and the output from the various industry working groups managing the transition to new benchmark 
interest rates. This includes announcements made by LIBOR regulators (including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the 
US Commodity Futures Trading Commission) regarding the transition away from LIBOR (including GBP LIBOR and USD LIBOR) 
to alternative Risk-Free Rates (RFR) by the end of 2021.

The Group’s current IBOR linked contracts do not include adequate and robust fall-back provisions for a cessation of the 
referenced benchmark interest rate. Different working groups in the industry are working on fall-back language for different 
instruments and different IBORs, which the Group is monitoring closely and will look to implement when appropriate.

Fixed rate debt comprises Senior Notes and convertible bonds.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

127

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
Note 19. Financial instruments continued
Interest rate benchmark reform continued
The interest rate profile of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities, excluding trade and other receivables and trade and other 
payables, at 31 December 2020 and 2019, was as follows:

US$
Euro
Sterling
Other

2020 
Cash and 
cash 
equivalents
$m

2020
Fixed rate
 debt
$m

2020
Floating rate 
debt
$m

2019
Cash and 
cash 
equivalents
$m

2020
Total
$m

717.3
0.1
72.0
16.0

(1,750.0)
–
–
–

(1,431.0)
–
–
–

(2,463.7)
0.1
72.0
16.0

805.4

(1,750.0)

(1,431.0)

(2,375.6)

259.9
0.5
16.3
12.1

288.8

2019
Fixed rate
 debt
$m

2019
Floating rate 
debt
$m

(1,750.0)
–
–
–

(1,344.3)
–
–
–

2019
Total
$m

(2,834.4)
0.5
16.3
12.1

(1,750.0)

(1,344.3)

(2,805.5)

Cash at bank consisted mainly of deposits which earn interest at rates set in advance for periods ranging from overnight to 
three months by reference to market rates.

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Group’s financial instruments to reasonably possible movements in 
interest rates:

Interest rate
Interest rate

Market movement

100 basis points
(10) basis points

Effect on finance costs

Effect on equity

2020
$m

(14.3)
1.4

2019
$m 

(13.4)
3.4

2020
$m

(14.3)
1.4

2019
$m

(13.4)
3.4

Credit risk
The Group has a credit policy that governs the management of credit risk, including the establishment of counterparty credit 
limits and specific transaction approvals. The primary credit exposures for the Group are its receivables generated by the 
marketing of crude oil and amounts due from JV Partners (including in relation to their share of the TEN FPSO lease). These 
exposures are managed at the corporate level. The Group’s crude sales are predominantly made to international oil market 
participants including the oil majors, trading houses and refineries. JV Partners are predominantly international major oil and 
gas market participants. Counterparty evaluations are conducted utilising international credit rating agency and financial 
assessments. Where considered appropriate, security in the form of trade finance instruments from financial institutions with 
an appropriate credit rating, such as letters of credit, guarantees and credit insurance, are obtained to mitigate the risks.

The Group generally enters into derivative agreements with banks which are lenders under the Reserves Based Lending facility. 
Security is provided under the facility agreement which mitigates non-performance risk. The Group does not have any significant 
credit risk exposure to any single counterparty or any group of counterparties. The maximum financial exposure due to credit 
risk on the Group’s financial assets, representing the sum of cash and cash equivalents, investments, derivative assets, trade 
receivables, and receivables from Joint Venture Partners, as at 31 December 2020 was $1,973.5 million (2019: $1,619.7 million).

Foreign currency risk 
The Group conducts and manages its business predominantly in US dollars, the operating currency of the industry in which it 
operates. The Group also purchases the operating currencies of the countries in which it operates routinely on the spot market. 
From time to time the Group undertakes certain transactions denominated in other currencies. These exposures are often 
managed by executing foreign currency financial derivatives. There were no material foreign currency financial derivatives in 
place as at 31 December 2020 (2019: nil). Cash balances are held in other currencies to meet immediate operating and 
administrative expenses or to comply with local currency regulations. 

As at 31 December 2020, the only material monetary assets or liabilities of the Group that were not denominated in the 
functional currency of the respective subsidiaries involved were $20.0 million in non-US dollar-denominated cash and 
cash equivalents (2019: $28.9 million).

The following table demonstrates the sensitivity of the Group’s financial instruments to reasonably possible movements in US 
dollar exchange rates:

US$/foreign currency exchange rates
US$/foreign currency exchange rates

Market movement

20%
(20%)

Effect on profit before tax

Effect on equity

2020
$m

(3.3)
5.0

2019
$m 

(4.8)
7.3

2020
$m

(3.3)
5.0

2019
$m

(4.8)
7.3

128

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
Note 19. Financial instruments continued
Liquidity risk 
The Group manages its liquidity risk using both short term and long term cash flow projections, supplemented by debt financing 
plans and active portfolio management across the Group. Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the 
Board of Directors, which has established an appropriate liquidity risk management framework covering the Group’s short, 
medium and long term funding and liquidity management requirements.

The Group closely monitors and manages its liquidity risk. Cash forecasts are regularly produced and sensitivities run for different 
scenarios including, but not limited to, changes in commodity prices, different production rates from the Group’s producing assets 
and delays to development projects. In addition to the Group’s operating cash flows, portfolio management potential has been 
identified across the Group to deliver material proceeds to reduce debt and enhance the financial capability and flexibility of the 
Group. The Group had $1.1 billion (2019: $1.2 billion) of total facility headroom and free cash as at 31 December 2020. 

The following tables detail the Group’s remaining contractual maturities for its non-derivative financial liabilities with agreed 
repayment periods. The tables have been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the 
earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay.

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate

Less than 
1 month
$m

1–3
months
$m

3 months 
to 1 year
$m

31 December 2020
Non-interest bearing
Lease liabilities
Fixed interest rate instruments
  Principal repayments

Interest charge

Variable interest rate instruments
  Principal repayments

Interest charge

n/a
7.1%
7.8%

5.6%

18.9
22.3

–
9.9

–
4.3

14.8
59.9

–
28.0

–
9.9

1–5
years
$m

66.1
955.6

1,450.0
216.3

55.7
158.5

300.0
78.6

–
44.4

1,431.0
217.5

5+
years
$m

34.1
20.1

–
–

–
–

Total
$m

189.5
1,216.5

1,750.0
332.9

1,431.0
276.1

31 December 2019
Non-interest bearing
Lease liabilities
Fixed interest rate instruments
  Principal repayments

Interest charge

Variable interest rate instruments
  Principal repayments

Interest charge

53.2

113.1

588.9

4,288.8

25.8

5,070.0

Weighted 
average 
effective 
interest rate

Less than 
1 month
$m

1–3
months
$m

3 months 
to 1 year
$m

1–5
years
$m

n/a
 7.1%
7.8%

5.8%

92.0
20.1

–
9.9

–
5.9

36.1
69.3

–
28.0

–
11.8

71.8
194.8

7.4
1,111.0

–
78.6

–
53.1

950.0
304.8

1,345.0
308.2

5+
years
$m

72.0
29.9

800.0
28.0

–
–

Total
$m

279.3
1,425.1

1,750.0
449.3

1,345.0
379.0

127.9

145.2

398.3

4,026.4

929.9

5,627.7

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

129

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 20. Leases
This note provides information for leases where the Group is a lessee. The Group did not enter into any contracts acting as a lessor.

i) Amounts recognised in the balance sheet

Right-of-use assets (included within property, plant and equipment) and lease liabilities

Property leases
Oil and gas production and support equipment leases
Transportation equipment leases
Other equipment

Total

Current
Non-current

Total

Right of use assets

Lease liabilities

31 December 
2020
$m

31 December 
2019
$m

31 December 
2020
$m

31 December 
2019
$m

40.5
624.3
1.5
–

666.3

57.4
710.0
6.4
– 

773.8

45.6
1,167.8
2.3
–

60.6
1,351.0
13.5
– 

1,216.5

1,425.1

240.8
975.7

284.2
1,140.9

1,216.5

1,425.1

Additions to the right-of-use assets during the 2020 financial year were $16.5 million. Refer to note 11.

For ageing of lease liabilities, refer to note 19.

The Group’s leases balance includes TEN FPSO and Espoir FPSO, classified as Oil and gas production and support equipment. As 
at 31 December 2020, the present value of the TEN FPSO and Espoir FPSO right-of-use asset was $613.0 million (31 December 2019: 
$675.6 million) and $5.0 million (31 December 2019: $6.7 million), respectively. The present value of the TEN FPSO and Espoir 
FPSO lease liability was $1,133.1 million (31 December 2019: $1,269.6 million) and $17.7 million (31 December 2019: $20.1 million), 
respectively. Included within additions to the right of-use-assets is Ruche FPSO which has a present value of $17.8 million as at 
31 December 2020, and a corresponding lease liability of $16.9 million. This balance was transferred to assets and liabilities 
held for sale at 31 December 2020 (note 16).

A receivable from Joint Venture Partners of $535.7 million (1 January 2019: $656.9 million) was recognised in other assets 
(note 12) to reflect the value of future payments that will be met by cash calls from partners relating to the TEN FPSO lease. 
The present value of the receivable from Joint Venture Partners unwinds over the expected life of the lease and is reported 
within finance revenue.

Carrying amounts of the lease liabilities and joint venture leases receivables and the movements during the period:

At 1 January 2020
Additions and changes in lease estimates
Disposals
Payments
Interest (expense)/income
Transfer to liabilities held for sale
Foreign exchange movements

At 31 December 2020 

ii) Amounts recognised in the statement of profit or loss

Right-of-use assets (included within Property, plant and equipment )

Depreciation charge of right-of-use assets
Property leases
Oil and gas production and support equipment leases

Total

Interest expense on lease liabilities (included in finance cost
Interest income on amounts due from Joint Venture Partners

Total 

The total cash outflow for leases in 2020 was $158.2 million (2019: $172.1 million).

130

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Lease
 liabilities
$m

(1,425.1)
(26.5)
12.2
298.1
(91.0)
16.9
1.1

Joint 
Venture lease 
receivables

$m

640.4
2.5
(2.6)
(139.9)
40.6
–
–

Total
$m

(784.7)
(24.0)
9.6
158.2
(50.4)
16.9
1.1

(1,216.5)

541.0

(675.5)

31 December 
2020
$m

31 December 
2019
$m

9.9
62.5

72.4

91.0
(40.6)

122.8

11.9
73.9

85.8

103.5
(50.0)

143.8

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
Note 21. Provisions

Decommissioning
2020
$m

Notes

Other 
provisions
2020
$m

Total
2020
$m

Decommissioning
2019
$m

Other 
provisions
2019
$m

At 1 January
New provisions and reclassifications 
Disposals
Transfer to assets and liabilities held for sale 16 
Payments
Unwinding of discount 
Currency translation adjustment

5

At 31 December

Current provisions

Non-current provisions

 850.1 
14.9
–
(129.2)
(57.7)
13.1
4.9

696.1

104.4

591.7

 76.2 
136.6
–
–
(58.4)
–
0.2

154.6

125.4

29.2

 926.3
151.5
–
(129.2)
(116.1)
13.1
5.1

850.7

229.8

620.9

 794.0 
 109.0 
– 
– 
(75.1)
 16.3 
 5.9 

 850.1 

102.6

747.5

81.5
15.5
(0.3)
–

(20.4) 

–
– 

 76.3 

70.2

6.1

Total
2019
$m

875.5
 124.5
(0.3)
–
(95.5)
 16.3 
 5.9

 926.4

172.8

753.6

Other provisions include non-income tax provision, restructuring provision and disputed cases and claims. 
Management estimates non-current other provisions would fall due between two and five years.

Non-Current-other provisions mainly relates to Bangladesh litigation. Refer to Uncertain Tax Positions in Accounting Policies.

The decommissioning provision represents the present value of decommissioning costs relating to the European and African oil 
and gas interests. 

Côte d’Ivoire 
Equatorial Guinea1
Gabon1
Ghana
Mauritania
UK

Inflation
 assumption

2%
–
2%
2%
n/a
n/a

Discount
rate 
assumption
2020

1%
–
1–1.5%
1–1.5%
n/a
n/a

Cessation of 
production 
assumption
 2020

2031
–
2027–2037
2034–2036
2018
2018

Discount rate 
assumption
2019

Cessation of 
production
2019

2%
2033
2% 2030–2032
2–2.5% 2022–2037
2–2.5% 2032–2036
2018
2018

n/a
n/a

Total
2020
$m

63.9
–
61.8
323.5
89.0
157.9

696.1

Total
2019
$m

55.6
116.1
56.7
365.6
82.6
173.5

850.1

1.   Decommissioning provision relating to Equatorial Guinea and Ruche (Gabon) transferred to Assets and Liabilities held for Sale (note 16) as at 31 December 2020 

($124.3 million and $4.9 million, respectively).

During 2020 the Group lowered its decommissioning discount rate assumptions from 2-2.5% to 1-1.5 per cent in line with the 
reduction in US Treasury rates.

Note 22. Deferred taxation

At 1 January 2019
Credit/(charge) to income statement
Transfer to current tax liability
Exchange differences

At 1 January 2020

Credit/(charge) to income statement
Transfer to assets classified as held 
for sale
Exchange differences

Accelerated 
tax 
depreciation
$m

(1,101.2)
363.1 
–
–

(738.1)

78.7

13.7
–

Decommissioning
$m

 127.7 
(21.1)
 –
1.7

108.3 

Tax 
losses
$m

 527.5 
(177.8)
–
(0.4)

349.3

(24.9)
(26.0)
24.2
(0.1)

(26.8)

(5.9)

(13.0)

17.3

 2.3
0.9

–
(0.6)

0.7
0.4

Other 
temporary 
differences 
$m

Provision for 
onerous 
service
 contracts
$m

Deferred
petroleum 
revenue tax
$m

 33.4 
(11.5)
–
(0.2)

21.7

–

–
–

 11.6 
(2.0)
–
0.1 

9.7

2.2

–
0.2

Total
$m

(425.9)
124.7 
 24.2
1.1 

(275.9)

79.3

16.7
0.9

At 31 December 2020

(645.7)

105.6

335.7

(8.4)

21.7

12.1

(179.0)

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

131

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 22. Deferred taxation continued

Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred tax assets

2020
$m

(673.3)
494.3

(179.0)

2019
$m

(793.4)
517.5

(275.9)

Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent it is considered probable that those assets will be recoverable. This 
involves an assessment of when those deferred tax assets are likely to reverse, and a judgement as to whether or not there will 
be sufficient taxable profits available to offset the tax assets when they do reverse. This requires assumptions regarding future 
profitability and is therefore inherently uncertain. To the extent assumptions regarding future profitability change, there can be 
an increase or decrease in the level of deferred tax assets recognised which can result in a charge or credit in the period in 
which the change occurs.

Note 23. Called-up equity share capital and share premium account
Allotted equity share capital and share premium

Ordinary shares of 10p each
At 1 January 2019 (previously reported)
Restatement 
At 1 January 2020 (as adjusted)
Issued during the year 
  Exercise of share options

At 1 January 2020 (as adjusted)
Issued during the year 
  Exercise of share options

At 31 December 2020

The Company does not have a maximum authorised share capital.

Note 24. Share-based payments 
Analysis of share-based payment charge

Tullow Incentive Plan
Employee Share Award Plan
2020 PDMR Buyout Award
UK and Irish Share Incentive

Capitalised to intangible and tangible assets
Expensed to operating costs
Expensed as exploration costs written off
Expensed as administrative cost

Total share-based payment charge

Equity share capital 
allotted and fully paid

Share premium

Number

$m

$m

1,393,439,716

209.1  

1,344.2
(49.5)
1,294.7

14,458,235

1.8  

–

1,407,897,951

210.9  

1,294.7

6,173,826

0.8  

–

1,414,071,777

211.7  

1,294.7

Notes

4

4

2020 
$m

11.9
8.6
0.4
–

20.9

–
0.9
–
20.0

20.9

2019
$m

15.8
11.9
–
–

27.7

1.9
2.6
1.0
22.2

27.7

Tullow Incentive Plan (TIP)
Under the TIP, Senior Management can be granted nil exercise price options, normally exercisable from three years (five years 
in the case of the Company’s Directors) to ten years following grant provided an individual remains in employment. The size of 
awards depends on both annual performance measures and total shareholder return (TSR) over a period of up to three years. 
There are no post-grant performance conditions. No dividends are paid over the vesting period; however, it has been agreed for 
the TIP Awards since 2018 that an amount equivalent to the dividends that would have been paid on the TIP shares during the 
vesting period if they were ‘real’ shares will also be payable on exercise of the award. There are further details of the TIP in the 
Remuneration Report on pages 57 to 73.

The weighted average remaining contractual life for TIP awards outstanding at 31 December 2020 was 3.2 years.

132

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 24. Share-based payments continued
2005 Performance Share Plan (PSP)
Under the PSP, Senior Management could be granted nil exercise price options, normally exercisable between three and ten years 
following grant. Awards made before 8 March 2010 were made as conditional awards to acquire free shares on vesting. To provide 
flexibility to participants, those awards were converted into nil exercise price options. All PSP awards are fully vested.

As at 31 December 2020 there were no PSP awards remaining.

Employee Share Award Plan (ESAP)
Most Group employees are eligible to be granted nil exercise price options under the ESAP. These are normally exercisable from 
three to ten years following grant. An individual must normally remain in employment for three years from grant for the share 
to vest. Awards are not subject to post-grant performance conditions. No dividends are paid over the vesting period; however, 
it has been agreed for the ESAP awards since 2018 that an amount equivalent to the dividends that would have been paid on the 
ESAP shares during the vesting period if they were ‘real’ shares will also be payable on exercise of the award.

Phantom options that provide a cash bonus equivalent to the gain that could be made from a share option (being granted over a 
notional number of shares) have also been granted under the ESAP in situations where the grant of share options was not practicable.

The weighted average remaining contractual life for ESAP awards outstanding at 31 December 2020 was 5.8 years.

2010 Share Option Plan (2010 SOP) and 2000 Executive Share Option Scheme (2000 ESOS)
Participation in the 2010 SOP and 2000 ESOS was available to most of the Group’s employees. Options have an exercise price 
equal to market value shortly before grant and are normally exercisable between three and ten years from the date of the grant 
subject to continuing employment.

Options granted prior to 2011 were granted under the 2000 ESOS where exercise was subject to a performance condition. 
Performance was measured against constituents of the FTSE 100 index (excluding investment trusts). 100 per cent of awards 
vested if the Company’s TSR was above the median of the index companies over three years from grant. The 2010 SOP was 
replaced by the ESAP for grants from 2014. During 2013 phantom options were granted under the 2010 SOP to replace certain 
options granted under the 2000 ESOS that lapsed as a result of performance conditions not being satisfied. These replacement 
phantom options provide a cash bonus equivalent to the gain that could be made from a share option (being granted over a 
notional number of shares with a notional exercise price). Phantom options have also been granted under the 2010 SOP and the 
2000 ESOS in situations where the grant of share options was not practicable.

As at 31 December 2020 there were no ESOS or phantom options remaining. Outstanding options under the SOP at 31 December 2020 
had exercise prices of 900p to 1,294p (2019: 900p to 1,294p) and remaining contractual lives between 75 days and 2.6 years. 
The weighted average remaining contractual life is 0.9 years.

2020 PDMR Buyout Awards 
On 5 August 2020, the Company granted the new Chief Executive Officer a number of Buyout Awards following the commencement 
of their employment in order to compensate them for certain share arrangements forfeited upon leaving their former employer. 

The grant of the awards was conditional on the CEO purchasing shares in the Company with a value of £350,000 (the “Purchased 
Shares”). These awards will vest after five years from the date of joining subject to continued service and the retention of the 
Purchased Shares. The awards comprise: a restricted share award in the form of a nil-cost option over 3,000,000 shares; a 
share option over 3,000,000 shares with a per share exercise price of £0.2566 (being equal to the market value of a share at the 
close of trading on the dealing date immediately following the date on which the Purchased Shares were acquired); and a share 
option over 3,000,000 shares with a per share exercise price of £0.5132 (being twice the exercise price for the above options). 

The awards will ordinarily vest on 1 July 2025 and if they remain unexercised will expire on 1 July 2030. There are further details 
of the 2020 PDMR Buyout Awards in the Remuneration Report on pages 57 to 73.

The weighted average remaining contractual life for the PDMR Buyout Awards outstanding at 31 December 2020 was 9.5 years.

UK and Irish Share Incentive Plans (SIPs)
These are all-employee plans set up in the UK and Ireland, to enable employees to save out of salary up to prescribed monthly 
limits. Contributions are used by the SIP trustees to buy Tullow shares (Partnership Shares) at the end of each three-month 
accumulation period. The Company makes a matching contribution to acquire Tullow shares (Matching Shares) on a one-for-one 
basis. Under the UK SIP, Matching Shares are subject to time-based forfeiture over three years on leaving employment in certain 
circumstances or if the related Partnership Shares are sold. The fair value of a Matching Share is its market value when it 
is awarded.

Under the UK SIP: (i) Partnership Shares are purchased at the lower of their market values at the start of the accumulation 
period and the purchase date (which is treated as a three-month share option for IFRS 2 purposes and therefore results in an 
accounting charge); and (ii) Matching Shares vest over the three years after being awarded (resulting in their accounting charge 
being spread over that period). 

Under the Irish SIP: (i) Partnership Shares are bought at the market value at the purchase date (which does not result in any 
accounting charge); and (ii) Matching Shares vest over the two years after being awarded (resulting in their accounting charge 
being spread over that period).

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

133

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNote 24. Share-based payments continued
UK and Irish Share Incentive Plans (SIPs) continued
The following table illustrates the number and average weighted share price at grant or weighted average exercise price (WAEP) 
of, and movements in, share options under the TIP, PSP, DSBP, ESAP and 2010 SOP/2000 ESOS.

2020 TIP – 
2020 TIP –

2019 TIP – 
2019 TIP –

2020 PSP –
2020 PSP – 

2019 PSP –
2019 PSP – 

2020 ESAP – 
2020 ESAP – 

2019 ESAP – 
2019 ESAP –

number of shares 
average weighted share price 
at grant
number of shares 
average weighted share price 
at grant

number of shares 
average weighted share price 
at grant
number of shares 
average weighted share price 
at grant

number of shares 
average weighted share price 
at grant
number of shares 
average weighted share price 
at grant

2020 SOP/ESOS – 
2020 SOP/ESOS – 
2019 SOP/ESOS – 
2019 SOP/ESOS – 

number of shares
WAEP
number of shares
WAEP

2020 Buyout Awards – number of shares
2020 Buyout Awards – WAEP
2019 Buyout Awards – number of shares
2019 Buyout Awards – WAEP

Outstanding
as at
1 January

Granted
during 
the year

Exercised 
during
the year

Forfeited/
expired during
the year

Outstanding 
at 
31 December

Exercisable 
at 
31 December

19,803,133 10,133,701 

(2,274,564)

454,558 28,116,828

4,394,115

203.6
20,295,802

10.9 

222.2
6,010,697 (5,350,737)

226.3

133.0
(1,152,629) 19,803,133

214.3
2,966,380

208.1

4,881

1,281.0
408,605

868.2

–

–
–

–

226.3

231.2

273.4

(4,881)

203.6

213.8

–

–

–

–
(363,521)

1,281.0
(40,203)

–
4,881

–
4,881

872.6

778.0

1,281.0

1,281.0

22,256,115 21,858,732 (4,062,562) (10,132,586) 29,919,699 11,711,333

223.6
26,513,311

10.9

213.5
5,611,909 (8,630,213)

57.1 

126.1
(1,238,892) 22,256,115

218.9 
7,750,966

221.5

226.3

219.0

223.3

223.6

258.9

6,433,141
1,125.6
8,122,372
1,079.1

–
–
–
–

1,137.7

(489,878) 5,943,263  5,943,263
–
1,124.6
–
1,124.6
6,433,141
– (1,689,231) 6,433,141
1,125.6
1,125.6
–

901.9

–
–
–
–

9,000,000
25.7
–
–

–
–
–
–

–
–
–
–

9,000,000
25.7
–
–

2020 phantoms – 
2020 phantoms – 
2019 phantoms – 
2019 phantoms – 

number of phantom shares
WAEP
number of phantom shares
WAEP

1,117,395
1,086.9
1,280,230
1,086.7

–
–
–
–

– (1,117,395)
–
1,086.9
–
–

–
–
(162,835) 1,117,395
1,086.9

1,085.5

The options granted during the year were valued using a proprietary binomial valuation.

The following table details the weighted average fair value of awards granted and the assumptions used in the fair value 
expense calculations.

2020 TIP

2020 ESAP

2020 
Buyout Awards

2019 TIP

2019 ESAP

Weighted average fair value of awards granted

Weighted average share price at exercise for awards exercised

Principal inputs to options valuations model:
Weighted average share price at grant
Weighted average exercise price
Risk-free interest rate per annum1
Expected volatility per annum1, 2
Expected award life (years)1, 3
Dividend yield per annum4
Employee turnover before vesting per annum1

10.9p

31.4p

10.9p
0.0p
0.3%
82%
3.0
n/a
5%

10.9p

25.8p

21.5p

–

226.3p

186.9p

226.3p
27.7p
10.9p
25.7p
0.0p
0.0p
–0.1% 0.7%/0.8%
0.3%
82% 78%– 83% 53%/55%
3.0/5.0
n/a
5%/0%

4.9– 6.2
0%
0%

3.0
n/a
5%

226.3p

217.5p

226.3p
0.0p
0.7%
53%
3.0
n/a
5%

1.  Shows the assumption for 2019 TIP awards made to Senior Management/Executives and Directors respectively. 2020 TIP Awards were made to senior management only. 

2.  Expected volatility was determined by calculating the historical volatility of the Company’s share price over a period commensurate with the expected life of the 

awards. The fair values of the 2020 and 2019 ESAP and TIP Awards are not affected by the assumption for the Company’s share price volatility.

3.  The expected life is the average expected period from date of grant to exercise allowing for the Company’s best estimate of participants’ expected exercise behaviour.

4.  No dividend yield assumption is needed for the fair value calculations for the 2020 TIP and 2020 ESAP Awards as a dividend equivalent will be payable on the 

exercise of these awards.

134

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

–
–
–
–

–
–
1,117,395
1,086.9

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
Note 24. Share-based payments continued
UK and Irish Share Incentive Plans (SIPs) continued

Weighted average share price  
at exercise for awards exercised

Note 25. Commitments and contingencies

Capital commitments
Contingent liabilities
Performance guarantees
Other contingent liabilities

2020
PSP

2019
PSP

2020
DSBP

2019
DSBP

2020
SOP/ESOS

2019
SOP/ESOS

n/a

157.7p

n/a

148.8p

n/a

n/a

2020
$m

2019
$m

253.9

230.4

115.6
82.9

198.5

82.6
104.3

186.9

Where Tullow acts as operator of a Joint Venture the capital commitments reported represent Tullow’s net share of these commitments.

Where Tullow is non-operator the value of capital commitments is based on committed future work programmes. 

Performance guarantees are in respect of abandonment obligations, committed work programmes and certain financial obligations.

Other contingent liabilities
This includes amounts for ongoing legal disputes with third parties where we consider the likelihood of a cash outflow to be higher 
than remote but not probable. The timing of any economic outflow if it were to occur would likely range between one and five years. 

In January 2013, the Group acquired Spring Energy Norway AS (Spring) from HitecVision V (Hitec), a Norwegian private equity 
company, and Spring employee minority shareholders. In addition to the initial consideration payable under the sale and 
purchase agreement for Spring. The Group undertook to make contingent bonus payments to Hitec and the Spring employee 
minority shareholders in the event of the discovery on or before 31 December 2016 of commercially viable reserves from four 
identified drilling prospects (including the Wisting prospect in licence PL537).

In September 2013, OMV Norge AS, the operator of PL537, announced that it had made a discovery by drilling the Wisting 
prospect. Hitec claims that the conditions for a bonus payment under the Spring SPA had been met in respect of the Wisting 
prospect in PL537 as at 31 December 2016. Tullow has disputed this position. An arbitration was commenced in Norway to 
determine if a bonus payment is payable in respect of the Wisting discovery and a decision is expected to be made in late 2020. 
Hitec has claimed US$95 million, which includes interest that is estimated to accrue until the end of the 2020 financial year 
(which TOHBV has disputed). This claim amount is based on a preliminary calculation that is subject to update. 

In 2016, the Group sold its interest in PL537 to Equinor but remains responsible for this dispute.

Note 26. Related party transactions
The Directors of Tullow Oil plc are considered to be the only key management personnel as defined by IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures. 

Short term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Share-based payments

2020
$m

2.7
0.2
2.3

5.2

2019
$m

 3.1 
 0.5 
 3.2 

 6.8 

Short term employee benefits
These amounts comprise fees paid to the Directors in respect of salary and benefits earned during the relevant financial year, 
plus bonuses awarded for the year.

Post-employment benefits
These amounts comprise amounts paid into the pension schemes of the Directors.

Share-based payments
This is the cost to the Group of Directors’ participation in share-based payment plans, as measured by the fair value of options 
and shares granted, accounted for in accordance with IFRS 2 Share-based Payment.

There are no other related party transactions. Further details regarding transactions with the Directors of Tullow Oil plc are 
disclosed in the Remuneration Report on pages 57 to 73.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

135

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 27. Events since 31 December 2020
The six-monthly redetermination of Tullow’s Reserves Based Lending (RBL) facility was originally expected to conclude at the 
end of January. Tullow and its lending banks have agreed to extend the process by up to one month, which allowed for additional 
time to review Tullow’s new Business Plan and operating strategy. Tullow has now received approval for a new debt capacity 
amount under the facility of approximately $1.7 billion.

On 9 February 2021, Tullow announced that it signed two separate sale and purchase agreements with Panoro for all of Tullow’s 
assets in Equatorial Guinea (the EG transaction) and the Dussafu asset (the Dussafu transaction) in Gabon for $180.0 million 
consisting of up to US$105.0 million for the EG transaction, up to US$70.0 million for the Dussafu transaction and a further 
$5.0 million consideration to be paid after both transactions have completed. The EG Transaction constitutes a Class 1 transaction 
under the UK Listing Rules and is subject to the approval of Tullow’s shareholders. The Dussafu Transaction constitutes a Class 2 
transaction and therefore does not require shareholder approval. Completion of the EG Transaction and the Dussafu Transaction 
are not inter-conditional. However, both transactions are subject to customary government and other approvals.

On 2 March 2021, further to the announcement made on 9 February 2021, Tullow published the shareholder circular relating 
to the transaction having received approval from the Financial Conduct Authority.

Note 28. Cash flow statement reconciliations 

Purchases of intangible exploration and evaluation assets

Additions to intangible exploration and evaluation assets
Associated cash flows
Purchases of intangible exploration and evaluation assets
Non-cash movements/presented in other cash flow lines
Capitalised interest
Movement in working capital

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

Additions to property, plant and equipment
Associated cash flows
Purchases of property, plant and equipment
Non-cash movements/presented in other cash flow lines
Decommissioning asset revisions
Right of use asset additions
Movement in working capital

Movement in borrowings

Borrowings

Associated cash flows
Repayment of borrowings
Drawdown of borrowings
Non-cash movements/presented in other cash flow lines
Amortisation of arrangement fees and accrued interest

2020
$m

2019
$m

170.7

279.3

(213.6)

(259.4)

–
(42.9)

2020
$m

(16.3)
(3.6)

2019
$m

229.7

528.4

(217.3)

(261.5)

(14.9)
(16.5)
19.0

(109.0)
(150.3)
(7.6)

2020
$m

2019
$m

2018
$m

2020
Movement

2019
Movement

3,170.5

3,071.7

3,219.1

98.8

(147.4)

(185.0)
270.0

(520.0)
375.0

13.8

(2.4)

Note 29. Dividends
In 2020, the Board recommended that no interim or final dividend would be paid.

136

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 30. Tullow Oil plc subsidiaries 
As at 31 December 2020
Each undertaking listed below is a subsidiary by virtue of Tullow Oil plc holding, directly or indirectly, a majority of voting rights 
in the undertaking. The ownership percentages are equal to the effective equity owned by the Group. Unless otherwise noted, 
the share capital of each undertaking comprises ordinary shares or the local equivalent thereof.

The percentage of equity owned by the Group is 100 per cent unless otherwise noted. The results of all undertakings listed 
below are fully consolidated in the Group’s Financial Statements. 

Company name

Hardman Oil and Gas Pty Ltd
Hardman Resources Pty Ltd
Tullow Chinguetti Production Pty Ltd
Tullow Petroleum (Mauritania) Pty Ltd
Tullow Uganda Holdings Pty Ltd
Tullow Uganda Operations Pty Ltd
Tullow (EA) Holdings Limited 

Country of incorporation

Direct or 
indirect

Indirect
Australia
Indirect
Australia
Indirect
Australia
Indirect
Australia
Indirect
Australia
Australia
Indirect
British Virgin Islands Indirect

Planet Oil International Limited

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Argentina Limited

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Comoros Limited 

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Côte d’Ivoire Onshore Limited

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow EG Exploration Limited1

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Gambia Limited2

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Group Services Limited

England and Wales

Direct

Tullow Jamaica Limited

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow New Ventures Limited

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Mozambique Limited

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Oil 100 Limited

England and Wales

Direct

Tullow Oil 101 Limited

England and Wales

Direct

Tullow Oil Finance Limited

England and Wales

Direct

Tullow Oil SK Limited

England and Wales

Direct

Tullow Oil SNS Limited3

England and Wales

Direct

Tullow Oil SPE Limited

England and Wales

Direct

Tullow Peru Limited

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Senegal Exploration Limited4 

England and Wales 

Indirect

Tullow Technologies Limited

England and Wales

Indirect

1.   Struck off on 19 January 2021.

2.  Struck off on 19 January 2021.

3.  Strike off application pending at 31 December 2020.

4.  Struck off on 19 January 2021.

Address of registered office

Level 9, 1 William Street, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Level 9, 1 William Street, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Level 9, 1 William Street, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Level 9, 1 William Street, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Level 9, 1 William Street, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Level 9, 1 William Street, Perth WA 6000, Australia
Ritter House, Wickhams Cay, Tortola, VG1110, 
British Virgin Islands
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom 
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

137

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSNote 30. Tullow Oil plc subsidiaries continued

Company name

Country of incorporation

Direct or 
indirect

Tullow Technologies Limited

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Uganda Midstream Ltd5

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Uruguay Limited

England and Wales

Indirect

Tullow Oil Gabon SA
Tullow Oil (Mauritania) Ltd

Gabon
Guernsey

Tullow Oil Holdings (Guernsey) Ltd

Guernsey

Tullow Oil Limited

Ireland

Indirect
Indirect

Indirect

Direct

Tullow Congo Limited

Isle of Man

Indirect

Tullow Equatorial Guinea Limited

Isle of Man

Indirect

Tullow Gabon Holdings Limited

Isle of Man

Indirect

Tullow Gabon Limited

Isle of Man

Indirect

Tullow Mauritania Limited

Isle of Man

Indirect

Tullow Namibia Limited

Isle of Man

Indirect

Tullow Côte d’Ivoire Exploration Limited Jersey
Jersey
Tullow Côte d’Ivoire Limited
Jersey
Tullow Ghana Limited
Jersey
Tullow India Operations Limited
Jersey
Tullow Oil (Jersey) Limited
Jersey
Tullow Oil International Limited
Netherlands
Tullow Ethiopia BV

Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Indirect
Direct
Indirect
Indirect

Tullow Guyana BV

Netherlands

Indirect

Tullow Hardman Holdings BV

Netherlands

Indirect

Tullow Kenya BV

Netherlands

Indirect

Tullow Netherlands Holding Cooperatief BA Netherlands

Indirect

Tullow Overseas Holdings BV

Netherlands

Direct

Tullow Suriname BV

Netherlands

Indirect

Tullow Uganda Holdings BV

Netherlands

Indirect

Tullow Zambia BV

Netherlands

Indirect

Tullow Oil Norge AS
Energy Africa Bredasdorp (Pty) Ltd

Norway
South Africa

Indirect
Indirect

Tullow South Africa (Pty) Limited

South Africa

Indirect

T.U. S.A.

Uruguay

Indirect

5.  Struck off on 19 January 2021.

138

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Address of registered office

9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
Rue Louise Charon B.P. 9773, Libreville
P.O. Box 119, Martello Court, Admiral Park, St. 
Peter Port GY1 3HB, Guernsey 
P.O. Box 119, Martello Court, Admiral Park, St. 
Peter Port GY1 3HB, Guernsey 
Number 1, Central Park, Leopardstown, Dublin 18, 
Ireland
First Names House, Victoria Road, Douglas IM2 
4DF, Isle of Man
First Names House, Victoria Road, Douglas IM2 
4DF, Isle of Man
First Names House, Victoria Road, Douglas IM2 
4DF, Isle of Man
First Names House, Victoria Road, Douglas IM2 
4DF, Isle of Man
First Names House, Victoria Road, Douglas IM2 
4DF, Isle of Man
First Names House, Victoria Road, Douglas IM2 
4DF, Isle of Man
44 Esplanade, St Helier JE4 9WG, Jersey
44 Esplanade, St Helier JE4 9WG, Jersey
44 Esplanade, St Helier JE4 9WG, Jersey
44 Esplanade, St Helier JE4 9WG, Jersey
44 Esplanade, St Helier JE4 9WG, Jersey
44 Esplanade, St Helier JE4 9WG, Jersey
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
Prinses Margrietplantsoen 33, 2595AM 
‘s-Gravenhage, The Netherlands
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
Prinses Margrietplantsoen 33, 2595AM 
’s-Gravenhage, The Netherlands
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
Prinses Margrietplantsoen 33, 2595AM 
’s-Gravenhage, The Netherlands
Prinses Margrietplantsoen 33, 2595AM 
’s-Gravenhage, The Netherlands
9 Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London 
W4 5XT, United Kingdom
Tordenskioldsgate 6B, 0160 Oslo, Norway
11th Floor, Convention Tower, Heerengracht 
Street, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001, South Africa
11th Floor, Convention Tower, Heerengracht 
Street, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001, South Africa
Colonia 810, Of. 403, Montevideo, Uruguay

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020Note 31. Licence interests
Current exploration, development and production interests

Ghana

Licence/Unit area

Fields 

Deepwater Tano 
TEN Development Area1
West Cape  
Three Points 
Jubilee Field Unit Area2,3

Notes:

Jubilee, Wawa, Tweneboa, 
Enyenra, Ntomme
Jubilee

Area 
sq km

619

150

Tullow 
interest

Operator

Other partners

Tullow

49.95%
47.18% 2
25.66% Tullow

Kosmos, Anadarko, GNPC, Petro SA

Kosmos, Anadarko, GNPC, Petro SA 

Jubilee, Mahogany, Teak

35.48% Tullow

Kosmos, Anadarko, GNPC, Petro SA 

1.  GNPC has exercised its right to acquire an additional 5 per cent in TEN. Tullow’s interest is 47.175 per cent.

2.  A unitisation agreement covering the Jubilee field was agreed by the partners of the West Cape Three Points and the Deepwater Tano licences.

3.  The Jubilee Unit Area was expanded in 2017 to include the Mahogany and Teak fields. It now includes all of the remaining part of the West Cape Three Points 

licence and a small part of the Deepwater Tano licence.

Non-Operated

Licence/Unit area

Fields 

Area 
sq km

Tullow 
interest

Operator

Other partners

Côte d’Ivoire
CI-26 Special Area “E” 
Equatorial Guinea4
Ceiba 
Okume Complex

Gabon
Avouma 

Ebouri 

Echira
Etame
Ezanga 
Gwedidi 
Igongo
Limande
Mabounda 
Maroc 
Maroc Nord 
Mbigou 
M'Oba
Niembi 
Niungo
Oba
Omko 
Onal 
Ruche 4
Simba 
Tchatamba Marin
Tchatamba South
Tchatamba West
Turnix

Espoir

235

21.33% CNR

Petroci 

Ceiba
Okume, Oveng, Ebano, 
Elon, Akom North

Avouma, South Tchibala

Ebouri

Echira
Etame, North Tchibala

Gwedidi
Igongo
Limande
Mabounda
Maroc
Maroc Nord
Mbigou
M'Oba
Niembi
Niungo
Oba
Omko
Onal
Tortue
Simba
Tchatamba Marin
Tchatamba South
Tchatamba West
Turnix

70
192

14.25% Trident Energy  Kosmos, GEPetrol 
14.25% Trident Energy  Kosmos, GEPetrol 

52

15

76
49
5,626
5
117
54
6
17
17
5
57
4
96
44
16
46
850
315
30
40
25
18

7.50% Vaalco 

7.50% Vaalco 

Addax (Sinopec), Sasol, 
PetroEnergy 
Addax (Sinopec), Sasol, 
PetroEnergy 
Gabon Oil Company 
Addax (Sinopec), Sasol, PetroEnergy 

36.00% Perenco 
40.00% Perenco 

40.00% Perenco
7.50% Vaalco 
8.57% Maurel & Prom  
7.50% Maurel & Prom  Gabon Oil Company
Gabon Oil Company 
Gabon Oil Company 
7.50% Maurel & Prom  Gabon Oil Company
7.50% Maurel & Prom  Gabon Oil Company
7.50% Maurel & Prom  Gabon Oil Company
7.50% Maurel & Prom  Gabon Oil Company
Gabon Oil Company 
7.50% Maurel & Prom  Gabon Oil Company
Gabon Oil Company 
Gabon Oil Company 
7.50% Maurel & Prom  Gabon Oil Company
7.50% Maurel & Prom  Gabon Oil Company

40.00% Perenco 
10.00% Perenco 

24.31% Perenco 

10.00% BW Energy 
57.50% Perenco 
25.00% Perenco 
25.00% Perenco 
25.00% Perenco 
27.50% Perenco 

Panoro, Gabon Oil Company 

ONE-Dyas BV 
ONE-Dyas BV 
ONE_Dyas BV 
Gabon Oil Company 

4.  On 9 February 2021, the Group announced that it signed two separate sale and purchase agreements with Panoro Energy ASA of its entire interest in Equatorial 
Guinea and its entire interest in the Dussafu Marin Permit Exploration and Production Sharing contract in Gabon, in each case with an effective date of 1 July 
2020. Refer to note 16.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

139

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 31. Licence interests continued

Non-Operated continued

Licence/Unit area

Blocks

Fields 

Area
sq km

Tullow
 interest

Operator

Other partners

United Kingdom5, 6
Thames Area
P007

P037

Gawain Unit8

Notes:

49/24aF1 
(Gawain)

49/28a
49/28b
49/28a (part)
49/24F1 (Gawain)
49/29a (part)

Gawain7

69

50.00%

Perenco 

Thames7, Yare7, Bure7, 
Wensum7
Thurne7, Deben7
Gawain7

90

66.67%

Perenco 

Spirit Energy

86.96%
50.00%

Tullow
Perenco

Spirit Energy

5.  Production from the CMS Area has now ceased. Decommissioning works across this area are ongoing.

6.  These fields are no longer producing. Decommissioning works are ongoing.

7.  For the UK offshore area, fields that extend across more than one licence area with differing partner interests become part of a unitised area. The interest held in 
the Unitised Field Area is split amongst the holders of the relevant licences according to their proportional ownership of the field. The unitised areas in which 
Tullow is involved are listed in addition to the nominal licence holdings.

8.  Refer to Gawain Unit for field interest.

Kenya

Licence

Kenya
Block 10BA
Block 10BB
Block 12B
Block 13T

Fields 

Area 
sq km

Tullow 
interest

Operator

Other partners

Amosing, Ngamia

Twiga

 11,569
6,172
6,200
4,719

50.00%   Tullow
50.00%   Tullow
100.00%   Tullow
50.00%   Tullow

Africa Oil, Total
Africa Oil, Total 

Africa Oil, Total 

140

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Group Financial Statements continuedYear ended 31 December 2020 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Area
sq km

5,942
4,546
4,420

1,059
551

5,165
1,776

Tullow 
interest

Operator

Other partners

40.00%
40.00%
100.00%

Tullow
Tullow
Tullow

Pluspetrol, Wintershall Dea 
Pluspetrol, Wintershall Dea

60.00%
90.00%

Tullow
Tullow

Cairn Energy, Petroci 
Petroci 

37.50%
60.00%

Repsol 
Tullow

Total 
Total, Eco Atlantic O&G

Note 31. Licence interests continued

Exploration

Licence/Unit area

Blocks

Fields 

Argentina
Block MLO-114 
Block MLO-119 
Block MLO-122 
Côte d’Ivoire
CI-520
CI-524
Guyana
Kanuku
Orinduik
Namibia
PEL 00379

PEL 0090

Peru
Block Z-3810
Block Z-64
Block Z-67
Block Z-68
Suriname 
Block 47
Block 54
Block 62 

Notes:

2012B, 2112A, 
2113B
2813B

17,295

51.15%

Tullow

Pancontinental, Paragon 

5,433

56.00%

Tullow

Trago Energy, Harmattan Energy, 
NAMCOR

4,875
542
5,884
6,002

2,369
8,480
4,061

35.00% Karoon
100.00% Tullow
100.00% Tullow
100.00% Tullow

50.00% Tullow
100.00% Tullow
80.00% Tullow

Pitkin 

Pluspetrol, Ratio Exploration 

Pluspetrol

9.  Tullow will be exiting this licence in March 2021.

10. Tullow exit in process.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

141

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes

2020
$m

2019
$m

1

3,404.8

4,580.1

3,404.8

4,580.1

3

4
5
6

5

7
7

509.0
5.9

514.9

 1,104.6 
 0.2 

 1,104.8 

3,919.7

5,684.9 

(437.5)
(2,879.6)
–

(439.9) 

–
(1.8)

(3,317.1)

(441.7)

–
–

(2,793.5) 
(2,793.5) 

(3,317.1)

(3,235.2) 

602.3

2,449.7 

211.7
1,294.7
671.5
194.5
(1,770.1)

 210.9 
1,294.7 
671.5 
194.5
(78.0) 

602.3

2,449.7 

Company balance sheet
As at 31 December 2020

ASSETS
Non-current assets
Investments

Current assets
Other current assets
Cash at bank

Total assets

LIABILITIES
Current liabilities
Trade and other creditors
Borrowings
Intercompany derivative liability

Non-current liabilities
Borrowings

Total liabilities

Net assets

Capital and reserves
Called-up share capital
Share premium 
Foreign currency translation reserve
Merger reserves
Retained earnings

Total equity

During the year the Company made a loss of $1,868.2 million (2019: $893.9 million loss).

Approved by the Board and authorised for issue on 9 March 2021.

Rahul Dhir 
Chief Executive Officer 

Les Wood
Chief Financial Officer

142

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company statement of changes in equity (restated)
Year ended 31 December 2020

At 1 January 2019
(as previously reported)
Restatement1

At 1 January 2019 (as adjusted)
Loss for the year 
Dividends paid
Exercising of employee share options 
Share-based payment charges 

At 1 January 2020
(as adjusted)
Loss for the year 
Exercising of employee share options 
Share-based payment charges 

Share
capital
$m 

Share 
premium 
$m

209.1
 – 

209.1
 – 
 – 
1.8
 – 

1,344.2
(49.5)

1,294.7
 – 
 – 
 –
 – 

 210.9 
 – 
0.8
 – 

 1,294.7 
– 
–
 – 

Foreign 
Currency 
Translation 
reserve 
$m

671.5
 – 

671.5
 – 
 – 
 –
 – 

671.5
 – 
 –
 – 

Merger
 reserves  
$m

Retained 
earnings
$m 

Total
equity 
$m

194.5
 – 

194.5
 – 
 – 
 – 
 – 

194.5
 – 
 – 
 – 

1,000.0
49.5

1,049.5
 (893.9)
 (100.9) 
 (1.8)
25.1 

3,419.4
 –

3,419.4
(893.9)
 (100.9) 

 –
25.1 

 (78.0) 
(1,868.2)
(0.8)
20.9

 2,449.7 
(1,868.2)
 – 
20.9

At 31 December 2020

211.7

1,294.7

671.5

194.5

(1,770.1)

602.3

1.  Comparative information in respect of share premium and retained earnings has been restated in relation to the treatment of the exercise of nil-cost employee 
share options which are issued at nominal value rather than market value as previously recognised. This has a $49.5 million and $35.8 million impact on the 
opening position as at 1 January 2019 and on the options issued in 2019 respectively.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

143

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCompany accounting policies
As at 31 December 2020

(a) General information
Tullow Oil plc is a company incorporated in the United Kingdom under the Companies Act. The address of the registered office is 
Tullow Oil plc, Building 9, Chiswick Park, 566 Chiswick High Road, London W4 5XT. The Financial Statements are presented in 
US dollars and all values are rounded to the nearest $0.1 million, except where otherwise stated. Tullow Oil plc is the ultimate 
Parent of the Group.

(b) Basis of preparation 
The Company meets the definition of a qualifying entity under Financial Reporting Standard 100 (FRS 100) issued by the 
Financial Reporting Council. The Financial Statements have therefore been prepared in accordance with Financial Reporting 
Standard 101 (FRS 101) Reduced Disclosure Framework as issued by the Financial Reporting Council. 

The following exemptions from the requirements of IFRS have been applied in the preparation of these Financial Statements, 
in accordance with FRS 101: 

 - paragraphs 45(b) and 46 to 52 of IFRS 2 Share-based Payment (details of the number and weighted average exercise prices 

of share options, and how the fair value of goods or services received was determined).

 - IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures.

 - paragraphs 91 to 99 of IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement (disclosure of valuation techniques and inputs used for fair value 

measurement of assets and liabilities).

 - paragraph 38 of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements – comparative information requirements in respect of certain assets.

The following paragraphs of IAS 1 Presentation of Financial Statements:

 - 10(d) (statement of cash flows);

 - 111 (cash flow statement information);

 - 134–136 (capital management disclosures);

 - IAS 7 Statement of Cash Flows;

 - paragraphs 30 and 31 of IAS 8 Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors;

 - paragraph 17 of IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures (key management compensation); and

 - the requirements in IAS 24 Related Party Disclosures, to disclose related party transactions entered into between two or more 

members of a group. Where relevant, equivalent disclosures have been given in the Group accounts. 

The Financial Statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for derivative financial instruments that have 
been measured at fair value.

The Company has applied the exemption from the requirement to publish a separate profit and loss account for the Parent 
Company set out in section 408 of the Companies Act 2006.

During the year the Company made a loss of $1,868.2 million (2019: $893.9 million loss).

(c) Going concern
Refer to the Basis of preparation in the Accounting Policies section of the Group accounts.

(d) Foreign currencies
The US dollar is the functional and presentational currency of the Company. Transactions in foreign currencies are translated 
at the rates of exchange ruling at the transaction date. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies are 
translated into US dollars at the rates of exchange ruling at the balance sheet date, with a corresponding charge or credit to the 
income statement. However, exchange gains and losses arising on long term foreign currency borrowings, which are a hedge 
against the Company’s overseas investments, are dealt with in reserves.

144

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

(e) Share-based payments
The Company has applied the requirements of IFRS 2 Share-based Payments. The Company has share-based awards that are 
equity settled and cash settled as defined by IFRS 2. The fair value of the equity settled awards has been determined at the date 
of grant of the award allowing for the effect of any market-based performance conditions. This fair value, adjusted by the 
Company’s estimate of the number of awards that will eventually vest as a result of non-market conditions, is expensed 
uniformly over the vesting period.

The fair values were calculated using a binomial option pricing model with suitable modifications to allow for employee turnover 
after vesting and early exercise. Where necessary, this model is supplemented with a Monte Carlo model. The inputs to the 
models include: the share price at date of grant; exercise price; expected volatility; expected dividends; risk-free rate of interest; 
and patterns of exercise of the plan participants.

For cash settled awards, a liability is recognised for the goods or service acquired, measured initially at the fair value of the 
liability. At each balance sheet date until the liability is settled, and at the date of settlement, the fair value of the liability is 
remeasured, with any changes in fair value recognised in the income statement. 

(f) Investments 
Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for at cost less any provision for impairment.

(g) Financial assets
The Company classifies its financial assets in the following categories: at fair value through profit or loss; and loans and 
receivables. The classification depends on the purpose for which the financial assets were acquired. 

Management determines the classification of its financial assets at initial recognition. As of 31 December 2020, all financial 
assets were classified at amortised cost. 

Assets are classified and measured at amortised cost when the business model of the Company is to collect contractual cash 
flows and the contractual terms give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of principal and interest. These assets are 
carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method if the time value of money is significant. Gains and losses are 
recognised in profit or loss when the assets are derecognised, modified or impaired. 

(h) Financial liabilities
The measurement of financial liabilities is determined by the initial classification.

i) Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss: 
Those balances that meet the definition of being held for trading are measured at fair value through profit or loss. 
Such liabilities are carried on the balance sheet at fair value with gains or losses recognised in the income statement.

Intercompany derivative liabilities fall under this category of financial instruments.

ii) Financial liabilities measured at amortised cost: 
All financial liabilities not meeting the criteria of being classified at fair value through profit or loss are classified as financial 
liabilities measured at amortised cost. The instruments are initially recognised at their fair value net of transaction costs that 
are directly attributable to the issue of financial liability. Subsequent to initial recognition, financial liabilities are measured at 
amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Borrowings and trade creditors fall under this category of financial instruments.

(i) Share issue expenses 
Costs of share issues are written off against the premium arising on the issues of share capital.

(j) Finance costs of debt
Finance costs of debt are recognised in the profit and loss account over the term of the related debt at a constant rate on the 
carrying amount. 

Interest-bearing borrowings are recorded as the proceeds received, net of direct issue costs. Finance charges, including 
premiums payable on settlement or redemption and direct issue costs, are accounted for on an accruals basis in the income 
statement using the effective interest method and are added to the carrying amount of the instrument to the extent that they 
are not settled in the period in which they arise.

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

145

FINANCIAL STATEMENTSCompany accounting policies continued
As at 31 December 2020

(k) Taxation
Current and deferred tax, including UK corporation tax and overseas corporation tax, are provided at amounts expected to be paid 
using the tax rates and laws that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date. Deferred corporation 
tax is recognised on all temporary differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date where transactions 
or events that result in an obligation to pay more, or right to pay less, tax in the future have occurred at the balance sheet date. 
Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that it is considered more likely than not that there will be suitable taxable 
profits from which the underlying temporary differences can be deducted. Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis.

Deferred tax is provided on temporary differences arising on acquisitions that are categorised as business combinations. 
Deferred tax is recognised at acquisition as part of the assessment of the fair value of assets and liabilities acquired. 
Any deferred tax is charged or credited in the income statement as the underlying temporary difference is reversed. 

(l) Capital management
The Company defines capital as the total equity of the Company. Capital is managed in order to provide returns for shareholders 
and benefits to stakeholders and to safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Tullow is not subject to any 
externally imposed capital requirements. To maintain or adjust the capital structure, the Company may adjust the dividend 
payment to shareholders, return capital, issue new shares for cash, repay debt, and put in place new debt facilities. 

(m) Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
The Group assesses critical accounting judgements annually. The following are the critical judgements, apart from those 
involving estimations which are dealt with in policy (ag), that the Directors have made in the process of applying the Group’s 
accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the Financial Statements.

Investments (note 1):
The Company is required to assess the carrying values of each of its investments in subsidiaries for impairment. The net assets 
of certain of the Company’s subsidiaries are predominantly intangible exploration and evaluation (E&E) and property, plant and 
equipment assets. 

Where facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an E&E asset held by a subsidiary may exceed its recoverable 
amount, by reference to the specific indicators of impairment of E&E assets, an impairment test of the asset is performed by 
the subsidiary undertaking and the asset is impaired by any difference between its carrying value and its recoverable amount. 
The recognition of such an impairment by a subsidiary is used by the Company as the primary basis for determining whether or 
not there are indications that the investment in the related subsidiary may also be impaired, and thus whether an impairment 
test of the investment carrying value needs to be performed. The results of exploration activities are inherently uncertain and the 
assessment of impairment of E&E assets by the subsidiary, and that of the related investment by the Company, is judgemental.

For property, plant and equipment, the value of assets/fields supporting the investment value is assessed by estimating the 
discounted future cash flows based on management’s expectations of future oil and gas prices and future costs.

In order to discount the future cash flows the Group calculates CGU-specific discount rates. The discount rates are based on an 
assessment of a relevant peer group’s post-tax weighted average cost of capital (WACC). The post-tax WACC is subsequently 
grossed up to a pre-tax rate. The Group then deducts any exploration risk premium which is implicit within a peer group’s WACC.

Where there is evidence of economic interdependency between fields, such as common infrastructure, the fields are grouped as 
a single CGU for impairment purposes.

Amounts due from subsidiary undertakings (note 3):
The Company is required to assess the carrying values of each of the amounts due from subsidiary undertakings, considering 
the requirements established by IFRS 9 Financial Instruments.

The IFRS 9 impairment model requires the recognition of ‘expected credit losses’, in contrast to the requirement to recognise 
‘incurred credit losses’ under IAS 39. Where conditions exist for impairment on amounts due from subsidiary undertakings expected 
credit losses assume that repayment of a loan is demanded at the reporting date. If the subsidiary has sufficient liquid assets to 
repay the loan if demanded at the reporting date, the expected credit loss is likely to be immaterial. However, if the subsidiary 
cannot demonstrate the ability to repay the loan, if demanded at the reporting date, the Company calculates an expected credit 
loss. This calculation considers the percentage of loss of the amount due from subsidiary undertakings, which involves 
judgement around how amounts would likely be recovered, and over what time they would be recovered. 

146

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

Notes to the Company Financial Statements
Year ended 31 December 2020

Note 1. Investments 

Subsidiary undertakings

2020
$m

2019
$m

3,404.8

4,580.1

3,404.8

4,580.1

During 2020, the Company decreased its investments in subsidiaries’ undertakings by $1,175.4 million (2019: $987.0 million); 
additional impairment of $1,936.4 million (2019: $1,905.1 million) was recognised against the Company’s investments in 
subsidiaries in relation to losses incurred by Group service companies and exploration companies and reduction in value of the 
Group’s production companies. (Refer to notes 10 and 11 in the Notes to the Group Financial Statements.)

Tullow Oil Limited
Tullow Oil SK Limited
Tullow Group Services Limited
Tullow Overseas Holdings B.V.
Tullow Oil SPE Limited
Total

Trigger for 
2020
impairment

2020
Impairment
$m

a
a
b
a,b
n/a

–
75.8
85.2
1,775.4
–
1,936.4

2020
Remaining 
recoverable 
amount 
$m

–
–
–
3,339.4
65.3
3,404.7

2019
Impairment
$m

13.2
43.6
139.9
1,708.4
–
1,905.1

2019
Remaining 
recoverable 
amount 
$m

–
–
64.7
4,450.1
65.3
4,580.1

a. Reduction in net asset value as a result of impairment of direct and indirect subsidiaries.

b. Impact of loss making subsidiaries.

The Company’s subsidiary undertakings as at 31 December 2020 are listed on pages 137 to 138. The principal activity of all 
companies relates to oil and gas exploration, development and production.

Note 2. Deferred tax
The Company has tax losses of $620.0 million (2019: $628.5 million) that are available indefinitely for offset against future 
non-ring-fenced taxable profits in the Company. A deferred tax asset of $nil (2019: $nil) has been recognised in respect of 
these losses on the basis that the Company does not anticipate making non-ring-fenced profits in the foreseeable future.

Note 3. Other current assets
Amounts falling due within one year

Other debtors
Due from subsidiary undertakings

2020
$m

8.4
500.6

509.0

2019
$m

8.0
1,096.6

1,104.6

The amounts due from subsidiary undertakings include $200.1 million (2019: $1,067.2 million) that incurs interest at LIBOR plus 
4.5 per cent (2019: LIBOR plus 4.5 per cent). The remaining amounts due from subsidiaries accrue no interest. All amounts are 
repayable on demand. At 31 December 2020 a provision of $444.2 million (2019: $114.8 million) was held in respect of the 
recoverability of amounts due from subsidiary undertakings.

Note 4. Trade and other creditors
Amounts falling due within one year

Accrued interest
Due to subsidiary undertakings

2020
$m

31.5
406.0

437.5

2019
$m

 33.9 
 406.0

439.9 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

147

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2020

Note 5. Borrowings

Current
Bank borrowings – within one year
  6.25% Senior Notes due 2022 ($650 million)
  Reserves Based Lending credit facility
  7.00% Senior Notes due 2025 ($800 million)

Carrying value of total borrowings

Non-current
Bank borrowings – after one year but within five years
  Reserves Based Lending credit facility
  6.25% Senior Notes due 2022
Bank borrowings – more than five years
  7.00% Senior Notes due 2025

Carrying value of total borrowings

2020
$m

2019
$m

646.7
1,441.7
791.2

2,879.6

–
–
–

– 

–
–

–

–

 1,357.4 
 645.5 

 790.6 

 2,793.5 

Term loans are secured by fixed and floating charges over the oil and gas assets of the Group. Refer to Note 18- Borrowings in 
the consolidated accounts.

As at 31 December 2020 ,the Group has assessed it does not have an unconditional right to defer payment of the facility, Senior 
notes due 2022 or senior notes due 2025 based on a forecast breach in covenants, as such, these borrowings have been classified 
as current. Refer to going concern disclosure for further details.

Note 6. Financial instruments
Disclosure exemptions adopted
Where equivalent disclosures for the requirements of IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures and IFRS 13 Fair Value 
Measurements have been included in the 2020 Annual Report and Accounts of Tullow Oil plc, the Company has adopted the 
disclosure exemptions available to the Company’s accounts.

Financial risk management objectives
The Company follows the Group’s policies for managing all its financial risks.

Fair values of derivative instruments
All derivatives are recognised at fair value on the balance sheet with valuation changes recognised immediately in the income 
statement. Fair value is the amount for which the asset or liability could be exchanged in an arm’s-length transaction at the 
relevant date. Where available, fair values are determined using quoted prices in active markets. To the extent that market 
prices are not available, fair values are estimated by reference to market-based transactions, or using standard valuation 
techniques for the applicable instruments and commodities involved.

The Company had an intercompany oil derivative trade with a wholly owned subsidiary which matured on 31 December 2020. 

The Company’s derivative carrying and fair values were as follows:

Assets/liabilities

Intercompany oil derivatives

Total assets

Total liabilities

2020
Less than 
1 year
$m

2020
1–3 years
$m

–

–

–

–

–

–

2020
Total
$m

–

–

–

2019
Less than
 1 year
$m

2019
1–3 years
$m

(1.8)

–

(1.8)

–

–

–

2019
Total
$m

(1.8)

–

(1.8)

The following provides an analysis of the Company’s financial instruments measured at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 
based on the degree to which the fair value is observable:

Level 1: fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: fair value measurements are those derived from inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 which are 
observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3: fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques which include inputs for the asset or liability that 
are not based on observable market data.

All of the Company’s derivatives are Level 2 (2019: Level 2). There were no transfers between fair value levels during the year.

For financial instruments which are recognised on a recurring basis, the Company determines whether transfers have occurred 
between levels by reassessing categorisation (based on the lowest-level input which is significant to the fair value measurement 
as a whole) at the end of each reporting period.

148

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
 
 
 
 
 
Note 6. Financial instruments continued
Income statement summary
Derivative fair value movements during the year which have been recognised in the income statement were as follows:

Loss on derivative instruments

Intercompany oil derivatives

2020
$m

(2.1)

2019
$m

7.5

Cash flow and interest rate risk
The interest rate profile of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, excluding trade and other receivables and trade and 
other payables, at 31 December 2020 and 31 December 2019 was as follows:

US$
Euro

2020
Cash at bank
$m

2020
Fixed rate 
debt
$m

2020
Floating rate 
debt
$m

2020
Total
$m

2019
Cash at bank
$m

2019
Fixed rate 
debt
$m

2019
Floating rate
 debt
$m

2019
Total
$m

5.8
0.1

5.9

(1,450.0)
–

(1,431.0)
–

(2,875.2)
0.1

(1,450.0)

(1,431.0)

(2,875.1)

0.1
0.1

0.2

(1,450.0)
–

(1,344.3)
–

(2,794.4)
0.1

(1,450.0)

(1,344.3)

(2,794.5)

Cash at bank consisted mainly of deposits which earn interest at rates set in advance for periods ranging from overnight to 
three months by reference to market rates.

Liquidity risk
The following table details the Company’s remaining contractual maturities for its non-derivative financial liabilities with agreed 
repayment periods. The tables have been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the 
earliest date on which the Company can be required to pay.

31 December 2020
Non-interest bearing
Fixed interest rate instruments
  Principal repayments

Interest charge

Variable interest rate instruments
  Principal repayments

Interest charge

31 December 2019
Non-interest bearing
Fixed interest rate instruments
  Principal repayments

Interest charge

Variable interest rate instruments
  Principal repayments

Interest charge

Weighted 
average 
effective
 interest rate

n/a
6.9%

5.6%

Weighted 
average 
effective
 interest rate

n/a
6.9%

5.8%

Less than 
1 month
$m

1–3
months
$m

3 months 
to 1 year
$m

1–5
years
$m

5+
years
$m

31.5

–

446.9

–

–
–

–
4.3

35.8

–
28.0

–
9.9

37.9

–
68.6

–
44.4

1,450.0
216.3

1,431.0
217.5

559.9

3,314.8

–

–
–

–
–

–

Total
$m

478.4

1,450.0
312.9

1,431.0
276.1

3,948.4

Less than 
1 month
$m

1–3
months
$m

3 months 
to 1 year
$m

1–5
years
$m

5+
years
$m

Total
$m

33.9

–

414.0

–

–

447.9

–
–

–
5.9

39.8

–
28.0

–
11.8

39.8

–
68.6

–
53.1

650.0
284.9

1,345.0
308.2

800.0
28.0

–
–

1,450.0
409.5

1,345.0
379.0

535.7

2,588.1

828.0

4,031.4

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

149

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company Financial Statements continued
Year ended 31 December 2020

Note 7. Called-up equity share capital and share premium account
Allotted equity share capital and share premium

At 1 January 2019 (previously reported)
Restatement
At 1 January 2019 (as adjusted)
Issued during the year 
  Exercise of share options

At 1 January 2020 (as adjusted)
Issued during the year 
  Exercise of share options

At 31 December 2020

Equity share 
capital allotted 
and fully paid 
Number

1,393,439,716

Share 
capital 
$m 

209.1

Share 
premium
$m 

1,344.2
(49.5)
1,294.7

14,458,235

 1.8 

–

1,407,897,951

210.9

1,294.7

6,173,826

0.8

–

1,414,071,777

211.7

1,294.7

The Company does not have an authorised share capital. The par value of the Company’s shares is 10p.

150

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
 
 
 
 
 
Alternative performance measures

The Group uses certain measures of performance that are not 
specifically defined under IFRS or other generally accepted 
accounting principles. These non-IFRS measures include 
capital investment, net debt, gearing, adjusted EBITDAX, 
underlying cash operating costs and free cash flow.

The value of the Group’s lease liabilities as at 31 December 2020 
was $242.4 million current and $975.7 million non-current; 
it should be noted that these balances are recorded gross for 
operated assets and are therefore not representative of the 
Group’s net exposure under these contracts.

Capital investment
Capital investment is defined as additions to property, plant 
and equipment and intangible exploration and evaluation 
assets less decommissioning asset additions, right-of-use 
asset additions, capitalised share-based payment charge, 
capitalised finance costs, additions to administrative assets, 
Norwegian tax refund and certain other adjustments. The 
Directors believe that capital investment is a useful indicator 
of the Group’s organic expenditure on exploration and appraisal 
assets and oil and gas assets incurred during a period because 
it eliminates certain accounting adjustments such as capitalised 
finance costs and decommissioning asset additions.

Additions to property, plant 
and equipment

Additions to intangible exploration 
and evaluation assets
Less:
Decommissioning asset additions
Right-of-use asset additions
Lease payments related to 
capital activities
Capitalised share-based 
payment charge
Capitalised finance costs
Additions to administrative assets
Norwegian tax refund
Other non-cash capital expenditure

Capital investment

Movement in working capital
Additions to administrative assets
Norwegian tax refund

Cash capital expenditure  
per the cash flow statement

2020
$m

229.7

2019
$m

528.4

170.7

279.3

14.9
16.5

109.0
150.3

(4.0)

(2.7)

–
–
9.6
–
75.3

288.1

133.2
9.6
–

1.9
16.3
21.0
0.9
21.0

490.0

9.0
21.0
0.9

Borrowings
Non-cash adjustments
Less cash and cash equivalents

Net debt

2020
$m

3,170.5
10.5
(805.4)

2019
$m

3,071.7
22.6
(288.8)

2,375.6

2,805.5

Gearing and adjusted EBITDAX
Gearing is a useful indicator of the Group’s indebtedness, financial 
flexibility and capital structure and can assist securities analysts, 
investors and other parties to evaluate the Group. Gearing 
is defined as net debt divided by adjusted EBITDAX. Adjusted 
EBITDAX is defined as profit/(loss) from continuing activities 
adjusted for income tax (expense)/credit, finance costs, 
finance revenue, gain on hedging instruments, depreciation, 
depletion and amortisation, share-based payment charge, 
restructuring costs, gain/(loss) on disposal, exploration costs 
written off, impairment of property, plant and equipment net, 
and provision for onerous service contracts. 

Loss from continuing activities
Adjusted for:
Income tax (credit)/expense
Finance costs
Finance revenue
Loss on hedging instruments
Depreciation, depletion and 
amortisation
Share-based payment charge
Provisions
(Loss)/gain on disposal
Exploration costs written off
Impairment of property, plant 
and equipment, net

2020
$m

2019
$m

(1,221.5)

(1,694.1)

(51.9)
314.3
(59.4)
0.8

467.1
21.0
92.8
3.4
986.7

250.6

803.9

40.7
322.3
(55.5)
1.5

724.6
25.8
4.2
(6.6)
1,253.4

781.2

 1,397.5 

2,375.6

 2,805.5 

3.0

 2.0 

430.9

520.9

Adjusted EBITDAX

Net debt

Gearing (times)

Net debt
Net debt is a useful indicator of the Group’s indebtedness, 
financial flexibility and capital structure because it indicates 
the level of cash borrowings after taking account of cash 
and cash equivalents within the Group’s business that could 
be utilised to pay down the outstanding cash borrowings. 
Net debt is defined as current and non-current borrowings 
plus non-cash adjustments, less cash and cash equivalents. 
Non-cash adjustments include unamortised arrangement 
fees, adjustment to convertible bonds, and other adjustments. 
The Group’s definition of net debt does not include the 
Group’s leases as the Group’s focus is the management 
of cash borrowings and a lease is viewed as deferred 
capital investment. 

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

151

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION 
 
At the Capital Markets Day in November 2020, the Group 
presented a revised Business Plan focusing on the 
maximisation of value from the Group producing assets. 
In order to assess performance against the revised Business 
Plan, the Group set out two new alternative performance 
measures in replacement of free cash flow, Underlying operating 
cash flow and pre-financing free cash flow. These measures 
will be used from 2021 onwards but are set out below.

Underlying operating cash flow
This is a useful indicator of the Group’s assets ability to 
generate cash flow to fund further investment in the business, 
reduce borrowing and provide returns to shareholders. 
Underlying operating cash flow is defined as net cash from 
operating activities less repayments of obligations under 
leases plus decommissioning expenditure. 

Pre-financing free cash flow 
This is a useful indicator of the Group’s ability to generate 
cash flow to reduce borrowings and provide returns to 
shareholders through dividends. Pre- financing free cash flow 
is defined as net cash from operating activities, and net cash 
used in investing activities, less repayment of obligations 
under leases and foreign exchange gain.

2020

2019

Less:
Decommissioning expenditure
Payments to/from decommissioning 
escrow fund

57.7

–

75.1

3.8

Plus:
Repayment of obligations 
under leases

Operating cash flow

Net cash from/(used) in investing 
activities
Decommissioning expenditure
Payments to/from decommissioning 
escrow fund

Pre-financing free cash flow

(158.2)

(172.1)

598.1

1,165.5

84.3
(57.7)

(512.0)
(75.1)

–

624.7

-3.8

574.6

 31.7 

Net cash from operating activities

698.6

1,258.7

Alternative performance measures continued

Underlying cash operating costs
Underlying cash operating costs is a useful indicator of the 
Group’s costs incurred to produce oil and gas. Underlying 
cash operating costs eliminates certain non-cash accounting 
adjustments to the Group’s cost of sales to produce oil and 
gas. Underlying cash operating costs is defined as cost of 
sales less operating lease expense, depletion and amortisation 
of oil and gas assets, underlift, overlift and oil stock movements, 
share-based payment charge included in cost of sales, and 
certain other cost of sales. Underlying cash operating costs 
are divided by production to determine underlying cash 
operating costs per boe.

Cost of sales
Less:
Depletion and amortisation of oil and 
gas and leased assets
Underlift, overlift and oil stock 
movements
Share-based payment charge 
included in cost of sales
Other cost of sales

Underlying cash operating costs

Production (mmboe)

Underlying cash operating costs 
per boe ($/boe)

2020
$m

2019
$m

993.6

966.7

446.4

696.1

160.5

(137.3)

0.9
54.1

331.7

27.4

2.6
54.0

351.3

12.1

11.1

Free cash flow
Free cash flow is a useful indicator of the Group’s ability 
to generate cash flow to fund the business and strategic 
acquisitions, reduce borrowings and provide returns to 
shareholders through dividends. Free cash flow is defined 
as net cash from operating activities, and net cash used in 
investing activities, less debt arrangement fees, repayment 
of obligations under leases, finance costs paid, and foreign 
exchange gain.

Net cash from operating activities
Net cash from/(used) in investing 
activities
Repayment of obligations 
under leases
Finance costs paid
Foreign exchange gain/(loss)

Free cash flow

2020
$m

2019
$m

698.6

1,258.7

84.3

(512.0)

(158.2)
(198.5)
5.4

431.6

(172.1)
(215.4)
(4.3)

354.9

152

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
Shareholder information

Financial calendar

2020 full year results announced

10 March 2021

Annual General Meeting

AGM trading update

TBC

TBC

Trading statement and operational update

14 July 2021

2021 half-year results announced

8 September 2021

November trading update

10 November 2021

Shareholder enquiries
All enquiries concerning shareholdings, including notification 
of change of address, loss of a share certificate or dividend 
payments, should be made to the Company’s registrar.

For shareholders on the UK register, Computershare 
provides a range of services through its online portal, 
Investor Centre, which can be accessed free of charge 
at www.investorcentre.co.uk. Once registered, this service, 
accessible from anywhere in the world, enables shareholders 
to check details of their shareholdings or dividends, download 
forms to notify changes in personal details and access other 
relevant information.

United Kingdom registrar 
Computershare Investor Services PLC 
The Pavilions  
Bridgwater Road  
Bristol BS99 6ZY

Tel – UK shareholders: 0370 703 6242  
Tel – Irish shareholders: +353 1 247 5413  
Tel – overseas shareholders: +44 870 703 6242

Contact: www.investorcentre.co.uk/contactus

Ghana registrar
The Central Securities Depository (Ghana) Limited
4th Floor, Cedi House, P.M.B CT 465 Cantonments, 
Accra, Ghana

Tel – Ghana shareholders: + 233 303 972 254/302 689 313

Contact: info@csd.com.gh

Share dealing service
A telephone share dealing service has been established for 
shareholders with Computershare for the sale and purchase 
of Tullow Oil shares. Shareholders who are interested in using 
this service can obtain further details by calling the 
appropriate telephone number below:

UK shareholders: 0370 703 0084  
Irish shareholders: +353 1 447 5435

If you live outside the UK or Ireland and wish to trade you 
can do so through the Computershare Trading Account. 
To find out more or to open an account, please visit  
www.computershare-sharedealing.co.uk or phone 
Computershare on +44 870 707 1606.

ShareGift
If you have a small number of shares whose value makes it 
uneconomical to sell, you may wish to consider donating them 
to ShareGift which is a UK registered charity specialising in 
realising the value locked up in small shareholdings for 
charitable purposes. The resulting proceeds are donated 
to a range of charities, reflecting suggestions received from 
donors. Should you wish to donate your Tullow Oil plc shares 
in this way, please download and complete a transfer form 
from www.sharegift.org/forms, sign it and send it together 
with the share certificate to ShareGift, PO Box 72253, London 
SW1P 9LQ. For more information regarding this charity, visit 
www.sharegift.org.

Electronic communication
To reduce impact on the environment, the Company 
encourages all shareholders to receive their shareholder 
communications, including Annual Reports and notices of 
meetings, electronically. Once registered for electronic 
communications, shareholders will be sent an email each 
time the Company publishes statutory documents, providing 
a link to the information.

Tullow actively supports Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading 
woodland conservation charity. Computershare, together 
with Woodland Trust, has established eTree, an environmental 
programme designed to promote electronic shareholder 
communications. Under this programme, the Company makes 
a donation to eTree for every shareholder who registers for 
electronic communication. To register for this service, simply 
visit http://www.investorcentre.co.uk/etreeuk/tullowoilplc with 
your shareholder number and email address to hand.

Shareholder security
Shareholders are advised to be cautious about any unsolicited 
financial advice, offers to buy shares at a discount or offers 
of free Company reports. More detailed information can be 
found at http://scamsmart.fca.org.uk/ and in the Shareholder 
Services section of the Investors area of the Tullow website: 
www.tullowoil.com.

Corporate brokers
Barclays
5 North Colonnade, Canary Wharf, London E14 4BB

J. P. Morgan Cazenove
25 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5JP

Davy
Davy House, 49 Dawson Street, Dublin 2 Ireland

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

153

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATIONCommercial reserves and contingent resources summary
(unaudited) working interest basis

Ghana

Non-Operated

Kenya

Exploration

Total

Oil
mmbbl

Gas
bcf

Oil
mmbbl

Gas
bcf

Oil
mmbbl

Gas
bcf

Oil
mmbbl

Gas
bcf

Oil
mmbbl

Gas
bcf

Petroleum
mmboe

Commercial reserves

1 January 2020
Revisions
Production 

170.3
29.0
(19.2)

136.6  
 42.6  
–  

48.3
8.0
(7.9)

10.1  
2.8  
(1.8)  

31 December 2020

180.1

179.2  

48.4

11.1  

Contingent resources

–
–
–

–

1 January 2020

215.7

691.8   529.8

135.4   170.8

Revisions
Additions

Disposals and 
relinquishments

1.3
–

57.3  
–  

(3.2)
–

(2.6)  
–  

–
–

–

–

(467.1)

(54.1)

170.8

31 December 2020

217.0

749.1  

59.5

78.4   170.8

Total  
31 December 2020

Notes:

397.1

928.3   107.9

89.5   170.8

–
–
–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–
–
–

–

47.4

0.3
6.8

–

54.5

–   218.6
37.0
–  
(27.1)
–  

146.7
45.3
(1.8)

243.0
44.6
(27.4)

–   228.5

190.2

260.2

–    963.7

827.2

1,101.6

–  
–  

(1.7)
6.8

54.7
–

7.5
6.8

–

(467.1)

(54.4)

(476.2)

–   501.7

827.5

639.7

54.5

–   730.2 1,017.7

899.9

1.  Proven and Probable Commercial Reserves are as audited and reported by an independent engineer. Reserves estimates for each field are reviewed by the 
independent engineer based on significant new data or a material change with a review of each field undertaken at least every two years, with the exception 
of minor assets contributing less than 5 per cent of the Group’s reserves.

2.  Proven and Probable Contingent Resources are as audited and reported by an independent engineer. Resources estimates are reviewed by the independent 

engineer based on significant new data received following exploration or appraisal drilling.

3.  The revision to reserves relates mainly to improved field performance in both Jubilee and TEN fields, maturation of projects such as Jubilee South East Phase 1 

& 2, New Jubilee Acceleration projects , partial Expansion, additional gas injector in Ntomme and updated audited volumes in Simba, Ruche and Espoir, offset by 
production for the full year 2020.

4.  The additional contingent resources relate to oil discoveries in Guyana.

5.  The revision to the contingent resources relate mainly to increases at the Gabon asset, maturation from Contingent resources to reserves in both fields in Ghana 

and the sales of the Uganda asset.

The Group provides for depletion and amortisation of tangible fixed assets on a net entitlements basis, which reflects the terms 
of the Production Sharing Contracts related to each field. Total net entitlement reserves were 248.9 mmboe at 31 December 2020 
(31 December 2019: 225.1 mmboe).

Contingent Resources relate to resources in respect of which development plans are in the course of preparation or further 
evaluation is under way with a view to future development.

154

Tullow Oil plc 2020 Annual Report and Accounts

 
 
 
 
 
Stay up to date 
www.tullowoil.com

Our main corporate website has key information about our business, 
operations, investors, media, sustainability, careers and suppliers.

RESULTS, REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
Financial results, corporate Annual Reports, webcasts and 
fact books are all stored in the Investor Relations section 
of our website: www.tullowoil.com/reports.

E-COMMUNICATIONS
All documents on the website are available to view without 
any particular software requirement other than the software 
which is available on the Group’s website. 

For every shareholder who signs up for electronic 
communications, a donation is made to the eTree initiative 
run by Woodland Trust. You can register for email 
communication at: www.etree.com/tullowoilplc.

COMPANY SECRETARY AND REGISTERED OFFICE
Adam Holland 
Tullow Oil plc  
9 Chiswick Park  
566 Chiswick High Road  
London  
W4 5XT  
United Kingdom 

Tel: +44 20 3249 9000 

Fax: +44 20 3249 8801 

To contact any of Tullow’s principal subsidiary 
undertakings, please find address details on  
www.tullowoil.com/contacts  
or send ‘in care of’ to Tullow’s registered address.

CBP006282

This report is printed on mixed source paper which is FSC® certified 
(the standards for well-managed forests, considering environmental, 
social and economic issues).

Printed by Pureprint Group

Tullow Oil plc  
9 Chiswick Park  
566 Chiswick High Road  
London W4 5XT  
United Kingdom 

Tel: +44 20 3249 9000 

Fax: +44 20 3249 8801 

Email: info@tullowoil.com

Website: www.tullowoil.com

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